348 - A TIBETAN MALA CHAIN 19TH CENTURY

A TIBETAN MALA CHAIN 19TH CENTURY Dimensions: Length 80 cm Weight: 130 grams A long strand of closely spaced, rounded beads in warm golden and brown tones, interspersed with darker bands and small red and turquoise-coloured accents. Each bead has a broad, wheel-like profile, creating a pronounced rhythm of ridges and coloured details along the flexible cord. The strand is arranged in loose coils, with a short section of the threading visible at one end. Variations in tone and wear lend the surfaces an appealing, handled character. A mala is used to count repeated prayers, mantras or other devotional recitations, making the movement of the beads through the fingers central to its purpose. In Tibetan Buddhist practice such objects can be both personal ritual implements and expressions of decorative craftsmanship. Here the tactile sequence of raised beads and contrasting coloured inserts gives the strand a distinctive presence even when not in use.