Proceedings of the United States National Museum Volume 36 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909 Excerpt: ...be manipulated only with the left hand, thereby leaving the right hand free to minister to the needs of his master, thus combining praying and working at one and the same time. In the present example the upper string has 30 and the lower 30 beads, all of the same size. Length, 28 inches. Japan. (Plate 20, fig. 1. Cat. No. 5527, U.S.N.M.) Lent by Miss Eliza R. Scidmore. 49. Japanese rosary.--Consisting of 18 beads made of walnut shells cut in the shape of skulls. Upon the parent bead are carved two groups of nine figures each, representing the 18 disciples (rohans). The tassel stopper is of mother-of-pearl. The two cords which extend from the parent bead are tied with three peculiar knots. Length, 27 inches. Japan. (Plate 26, fig. 2. Cat. No. 5516, U.S.N.M.) Lent by Miss Eliza R. Scidmore. 50. Japanese rosary.--Consisting of 12 olive-shaped beads, probably made of some wax or resin composition, each being carved into an image of a saint, with his special attribute (compare above Xo. 19). The parent bead and tassel stopper are of jade. Length, 27 inches. Japan. (Plate 26, fig. 3. Cat. No. 5505, U.S.N.M.) Lent by Miss Eliza R. Scidmore. 51. Japanese rosary.--Consisting of 16 beads of the same material and workmanship as those of No. 50. The parent bead, the tassel stopper, and two spacing beads are of agate. Length, 21 inches. Japan. (Cat. No. 5504, U.S.N.M.) Lent by Miss Eliza R. Scidmore. 52. Japanese rosary.--Consisting of 16 beads in shape of walnut shells, but probably made of some wax composition. On each bead is carved in low relief, on one side, the image of a saint, on the other, some animal or bird. The tassel stopper is of agate. Length, 28 inches. Japan. (Cat. No. 5506, U.S.N.M.) Lent by Miss Eliza R. Scidmore. 53. Japanese rosary.--Consisting of 1...