Description

Antique Chinese Artisan Carved Hediao Bead Buddhist Prayer Olive Nut/Pit Bead Size 11mm x12mm This beautiful piece of history is from a recent estate sale. The bead was not incorporated into a piece of jewelry at the time of the sale, and was kept in a small pouch. This is why it’s still in pristine condition. Each bead is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Item: Pendant Bead Material: Fruit Pit Artisan: Unknown Quantity: 1 Bead Approximate Measurements: 11mm x 12mm Condition: Excellent Pre-Owned Vintage Condition Please review our detailed photos and message us with any questions. CHINESE HEDIAO BEADS: Nut carving, known as Hediao in Chinese, generally refers to two kinds of carvings that respectively use fruit stone (also known as the fruit's pit), like olive or peach stone, and walnut as the raw material. The art of fruit pit carving, has been practiced in China for centuries. Nut carving generally uses relief and three-dimensional carving skills due to the materials' limited surface area. To produce a fine piece of nut carving, one has to make good use of the shape, grains, and texture of the material; a blueprint also has to be made before the actual carving can begin. The art of Hediao is now facing extinction because few black olive trees are planted in China and there are very few people interested in learning this art. Artisan crafted Hedaio beads typically depicted elaborate landscape scenes, warriors, Gods, and/or animal themes which wrapped around the beads. These beads were used as prayer beads by Buddhists and have become highly collectible pieces of wearable art.