Collection of 20 carved Chinese Hediao beads. The art of fruit pit carving, also known as Hediao, has been practiced in China for centuries. These are mid-20th century finely carved figural head beads. Each is individually hand carved and so vary in size and detail. These beads are used as prayer beads by Buddhists and all are strung together on silk. It takes an expert carver to make these rare beads.