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Peach Pit Prayer Beads
OriginChina
Date18th century
Dimensions39 3/8 × 2 × 1 in.
MediumPeach pit and pink coral
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of Anne Breckenridge Dorsey
Object numberC2012.6.17
DescriptionThis intricately carved strand of 108 beads with additional 3 coral separator beads and a guru bead represents the typical full string of Chinese prayer beads. The symbolic significance of 108 is usually explained in Buddhist terms as purifying the 108 afflictions. The traditional division of the beads into 4 groups of 27 by the larger separator beads serves the practical purpose of allowing the practitioner to find his or her place if interrupted during the lengthy turn over of the whole strand. The size and texture of pits of fruit such as peaches are well suited for carving and are widely used for making prayer beads.Not on view
19th century
19th century
early 19th century
early 19th century
19th century
19th century
late 19th century
20th century
Date unknown
ca. 1800
Date unknown
19th century
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