Description Beautiful string of antique Buddhist mala prayer beads or shozoiki jyu-zu as they are called in Japanese. Prayer beads were first introduced into Japan along with Buddhism during the 6th century. The 1848 woodblock print image included below depicts the famous kabuki actor Okawa Hashizo as the priest Saigyo standing before Mt. Fuji with a string of prayer beads in his left hand. Japanese prayer beads are used to count devotions and are always carried by Buddhist priests and frequently by lay Buddhists at weddings, funerals and other ceremonial occasions. Japanese tea houses may also sometimes have a string of prayer beads hanging from the wall as a sign of reverence. Many Japanese prayer beads are sanctified by being blessed by a priest over a cloud of incense. About the Listed Item This very long antique strand of Buddhist prayer beadsdates from the mid Japanese Showa period (1926-1989) and includes 112 beads total; including one large “guru” bead with an attached tassel. The darker beads are all made of wood however the three white-colored markers beads may be shell or stone. The entire piece is in good condition though there are a few beads which are chipped and all of the beads wear a darkened patina of age. The tassel which is connected to the guru bead is also somewhat frayed and worn. Please read below to learn more about the history and function of Buddhist prayer beads. Size: Length (approximate): 44 inches (114 centimeters) Weight: 3.8 ounces (109 …