Juzu: Prayer Beads

Juzu (数珠), also nenju, are the prayer beads of Japanese Buddhism, used to count recitations and held during prayer, at funerals and at the household altar. Nearly every Japanese Buddhist household owns at least one rosary, and fine examples in precious materials are treasured heirlooms.

One hundred and eight

A full rosary has one hundred and eight beads, one for each of the passions, bonnō, that bind beings to suffering. Shorter rosaries for laypeople, held in one hand, use a fraction of that number. Temple bells are struck one hundred and eight times on New Year's Eve for the same reason.

Parts of a rosary

  • Main bead, oyadama. A larger bead, often marking where the loop is held.
  • Marker beads. Smaller or different beads dividing the loop, sometimes named for the Four Heavenly Kings.
  • Tassels, fusa. Silk tassels, the form of which varies between schools.

Between the schools

Each school has its own forms and ways of holding the rosary. Shingon practitioners use a long rosary rubbed between the hands. Nichiren rosaries carry three tassels at one end and two at the other. Jōdo Shinshū followers drape theirs over the joined hands without counting, since the nenbutsu is an act of gratitude. Most temples sell rosaries for their own tradition, and a general rosary is acceptable at any rite.

Materials

Sandalwood and other fragrant woods, seeds of the bodhi tree and lotus, rock crystal, coral, agate and other stones, and fine hardwoods are the classic materials. Crystal rosaries were prized by the Heian aristocracy; old coral and fine sandalwood are sought after today.

Collecting and care

  • Restringing is normal and does not reduce value. Original tassels in good silk are a bonus.
  • Keep wooden beads away from water and perfume, and store rosaries in a cloth pouch. See Caring for Jewellery for advice on coral and pearls.

In the collection

Browse altar implements and the altars and religious objects collection. Our collector concierge can search Japan for antique rosaries.

See also

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