Obsidian Buddhist Prayer Beads - 13mm, 22 Beads (Men's)

Obsidian Buddhist Prayer Beads for Men — 22 Beads with Matching Tassel

These men's Buddhist prayer beads (juzu) are crafted from obsidian, known in Japanese as kokuyoseki. Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass formed when lava cools rapidly, giving each bead a smooth, glossy black surface.

While obsidian occurs in several color variations, this classic black type is the most popular. Kohgen also offers a golden obsidian (kin'yoseki) version, which shares the same black base but is flecked with golden inclusions.

A Stone with a Story

This same stone appears in Hayao Miyazaki's film Princess Mononoke, in which the character Kaya gives Ashitaka a piece of obsidian as a protective charm before his journey. Obsidian has in fact been used in Japan as a protective talisman since ancient times, and archaeological evidence shows it was already being traded during the Yayoi period.

For anyone seeking black prayer beads with both natural beauty and cultural depth, this piece is highly recommended.

Product Specifications

Item Number: Q654322010026
Material: Obsidian
Bead Count: 22
Parent Bead (Oyadama): Approx. 0.67 in (1.7 cm) diameter
Main Beads (Shudama): Approx. 0.51 in (1.3 cm) diameter
Top Bead (Tendama): Approx. 0.39 in (1.0 cm) diameter
Tassel: Matching-tone head tassel (kashira-fusa)
Includes: Paulownia wood box, prayer beads pouch