Ojime, Representation of the Acala Buddha hand-carved in deer antler. Like tangkas, sacred Tibetan paintings, the pigments are made from crushed minerals. Dimensions 69mm/18mm Rare piece, Fine and delicate work. Deer antler is of course harvested at fall once a year in the spring. Piece pierced at the top and possibility of wearing it as a pendant As a gemologist graduated from the Institut National de Gemmologie (ING), Paris, France. All our materials are appraised and certified by us. An ojime is a bead used in Japanese inrU (carrying cases). Each is carved into a particular shape and image, similar to netsuke, though smaller. It is used to tie the cord of the inrU so that it does not come off when carried. The history of ojime beads dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). Ojime beads, netsuke and sagemono or inrU cases would be items worn on a traditional kimono, usually hanging from the belt For a full description of Acala Buddha please click here