nlwd105-Old rare hand carved boxwood Japanese Buddhist saints prayer beads

A very rare necklace of hand carved boxwood Japanese Buddhist saints beads on silk cord. There are 19 saints beads and one fancy carved cylindrical bead at the top. This is an exquisitely done reproduction of the traditional antique Japanese beads. The necklace dates to mid 20th century and was acquired from the estate of an antique bead and jewelry collector. Each bead is skillfully hand carved. The craftsmanship is excellent and on a scale not to be found today where laser carving dominates today's carved beads. This necklace slips over the head and is 27 inches in circumference. The saints beads average 1-1/8 inch in length.