Antique Chinese black coral 18 Arhat Luohan Buddhist Rosary prayer beads

Each bead is finely hand carved to depict an individual face and head. Any 'imperfections' that are visible are due to the natural growth of the individual pieces of black coral used.

The average height of each of the Luohan beads is approximately 26-28mm (7/8 inch) and the diameter is about 20mm (3/4 inch). The overall length is about 10 1/2 inches and the weight is 116 grams.

This is a wonderful item which can be used on a personal altar or would make a truly one-of-a kind gift. I guarantee you will not see another set of prayer beads made of black coral any time soon as many/most of these black corals were put onto the Endangered Species list in the 1980's. Unlike these beads, when you do find black coral, the beads are usually quite small or branch coral.

 Email me with any questions and be sure to check out my other listings for more vintage and antique jewelry. I will be listing more estate jewelry in the coming weeks so be sure to add me to your FAVORITES LIST!

Please look closely at the photos since they are also part of the description.