18/19th century or earlier Japanese magatama bead made out of malachite. Magatama are curved beads which first appeared in Japan during the Jomon period (circa 1000 BCE), and in Korea during the Prehistoric period, mainly in the Bronze Age and Neolithic. They are found in mounded tumulus graves as offerings to deities, and continued to be popular with the ruling elite throughout the Kofun Period, and are often romanticized as indicative of the Yamato Dynasty of Japan. It is believed that magatama were popularly worn as jewels for decoration, in addition to their religious meaning: they were later largely replaced by Buddhist prayer beads in the Nara period. Wearing one during life is considered a way of gaining protection from kami. Nice piece of malachite, beautiful surface, superb patina, wonderful feel of age, very pleasant to the touch, old silk cord. Comes from an old New Orleans collection. Length 1 3/8 inches.

Reserve: $125.00

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