Disc-Bead Mala with Buddha Head and Vajra · 圆片盘珠·佛头金刚杵

Description

The material

Discs rather than round beads, so the string stacks flat and stays put instead of rolling. Colour runs from pale orange to dark caramel along the length; that gradient is natural to the stock and was arranged by hand rather than sorted out.

What it is for

This is the piece people buy as an object as much as jewellery — it photographs well on a desk or a shelf on its stand, and it goes on the wrist when they want it to. The vajra at the end is a standard Tibetan-influenced finish and, in lore, stands for something indestructible.

Craftsman’s note

Stacking discs is fussier than stringing rounds. Each disc has to be flat to within a fraction or the stack develops a curve, and once it curves it never sits right again. The head is carved separately and fitted last.

Wearing and care

Wraps twice on most wrists. Keep the braided cord dry. The silvered vajra will patina — polish it if you want it bright, or leave it and it will go grey-warm within a year.