Mala or Set of Meditation Beads by Authentic Spirit

A small bone lion's head grins at the center of the strand, mane curling and teeth bared in good humor.

This mala, or set of meditation beads, is in zitan, gold and bone, by Authentic Spirit. Malas have long been used to count prayers or mantras, and the guardian lion is a familiar protective emblem across much of Asia. Here the lion head is carved in creamy white bone, with round eyes, a broad nose and a scrolling mane, suspended from a gold lotus-style cap. Dark red zitan beads fill the strand, spaced by plain gold rounds and long gold bicones. It is 17 inches long.

A guardian with a grin is still a guardian.