Japanese Lacquer & Abalone Shell Mokume-Style Bead Necklace

This fine set of graduated beads from Japan is of orange-red lacquer inlaid with abalone shell fragments. The beads have marbled layers of lacquer similar to metal mokume beads which are engraved or etched with patterns that emulate wood grain.

The form of the beads is similar to the okime or cord fasteners – small beads used to secure the cord of an inro (small container) to the netsuke toggle that hung from the obi or waist sash of a traditional Japanese robe.

The beads are beautifully graduated, and the necklace retains its original stringing and has a robust screw closure.