Ojime, Bear Taking a Bath, 20mm, Sold Individually

ASO-26

Regular price $18.00

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  • Priced and sold individually
  • Hand-carved boxwood beads inspired by antique Japanese ojime
  • Sold individually, Bear taking a bath, 20mm
  • Ojime are handcrafted decorative beads, which originated in Japan as early as the 16th century. They embody the Japanese principle that what is useful should also be beautiful. Because Kimonos have no pockets, both women and men carried necessities in small sliding boxes, called Inro, that were worn suspended from their obis (belts).  Ojime, made from a variety of materials including wood, bone, ivory, glass, coral, or precious stones, were strung onto the cord that held the Inro, and used to keep it closed.