Description

Antique Chinese Hand Carved Bead Lohan Arhat Buddhist Wood Prayer Bead Size 28mm #11 Item: Bead Material: Olive Pit Wood History & Origin: Unknown, purchased at an estate sale Quantity: 1 Bead Condition: These pre-owned vintage beads shows signs of prior use and age, including cracks, and discoloration. Approximate Measurements: 28mm x 14mm Please review our detailed photos and message us with any questions. What are Luohans, Lohans, and Arhats: The term “Arhat” literally means "one worthy of honor," arhats are senior disciples of the Buddha who attained awakening through his teaching. “Louhan” (Also referred to as “Lohan” in older texts) is the Chinese word for Arhat. Both “Louhan” and “Arhat” refer to a person who has cultivated a high level of spirituality, somewhat like a Christian Saint. They have reached the state of Nirvana and are free of worldly cravings. After the Buddha passed away, 500 of his top disciples gathered together in a grand council to review his teachings word by word. They were charged to protect the Buddhist faith and to wait on earth for the coming of Maitreya, an enlightened Buddha prophesied to arrive on earth many millennia after Gautama Buddha's death. These enlightened beings, “who acted as worldly conduits to the state of infinitely, expanded consciousness granted by their enlightenment”. When Buddhism spread from India to China, it naturally adjusted to the new culture. For example, the Chinese paid special homage to 18 of the 500 Arhats. Statues of these 18 Luohan are often found in Buddhist temples today. Early Lohan Beads were typically carved from Chinese Black Olive Pits, and more recent pieces are often created with wood. This highly specialized art form is now facing extinction because few black olive trees are planted in China, and there are very few people interested in learning this type of intricate carving. 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. Every bead is expertly and finely hand-carved with amazing detail. These beads were used as prayer beads by Buddhists and have become highly collectible pieces of wearable art.