Japanese Antique Large Ritual Prayer Beads Counting Box Juzu Buddhist Set BT242
Description
Japanese Antique "Hyakumanben" Large Ritual Prayer Beads & Counting Box Juzu Buddhist Set BT242 Description [Rare Ritual Set: Giant Beads with Counting Board Box] This is a significant set of Hyakumanben Juzu (One Million Repetitions Prayer Beads), a massive rosary used in Japanese Buddhist group ceremonies to pray for protection against illness, disaster, or for a good harvest. The Ritual "Counting" Box What makes this set particularly collectible is the specialized wooden storage box. The lid reveals a tiered interior with slanted dividers. This is not merely for storage but functions as a ritual counter (abacus). Traditionally, wooden tallies were moved between these slots to track the immense number of mantra recitations (up to one million). While many such boxes have numbers (10,000, 1,000, etc.) inked onto the wood, this example is unwritten. It is believed that either paper labels were originally used and have naturally worn away over time, or the practitioners were skilled enough to use the positions alone to count, much like a master using a mental abacus. This absence of text highlights the beautiful, unadorned grain of the aged wood, offering a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The Beads The rosary itself is exceptionally long (over 3 meters) with large wooden beads, designed to be held by a circle of monks or parishioners who pass the beads along while chanting. The sound of the large beads clicking together is intended to drive away evil spirits. This is a rare opportunity to own both the ritual beads and their original functional counting case. Perfect for collectors of Buddhist artifacts, Mingei (folk art), or as a powerful display piece for a meditation space. Size Juzu Length: approx. 3.2m / 125.9 inches Box: 30.5 cm (W) x 19 cm (D) x 17.5 cm (H) / approx. 12 x 7.4 x 6.8 inches Total Weight: 1770 g / 1.77 kg Condition Antique / Vintage. Beads: Shows stains, discoloration, and smooth wear from decades of handling during rituals. Box: There are scratches, scuffs, and signs of wear consistent with age. Please verify the condition with the photos.