Jade Buddhist Prayer Beads (JL56) - Sold

Each jade bead depicts one of the 18 Luóhàn (罗汉) or Arhats of the Buddhist faith, having achieved the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism. These eighteen monks represent Buddha's disciples, who had been charged with protecting the faith. In popular thought, arhats often have supernatural abilities.

Numbers vary in Buddhist iconography, but a group of eighteen was eventually established as the standard Chinese grouping which became popular in later Chinese art. They are frequently seen in paintings and as statues in temples.

Their names are as follows; Deer Sitting, Happy, Raised Bowl, Raised Pagoda, Meditating, Oversea, Elephant Riding, Laughing Lion, Open Heart, Raised Hand, Thinking, Scratched Ear, Calico Bag, Plantain, Long Eyebrow, Doorman, Taming Dragon and Taming Tiger.

Dimensions: 15 1/2" H x 1 7/8" W x 3/4" D

Ex. Phil Lobred Collection