Chinese Mala with Sterling Tibetan Cloud

Ring of shiny black beads, each marked with a tiny white swirl.

This mala with sterling silver Tibetan cloud spacer is from China, and is contemporary. It is zitan & silver. Zitan is a dense, dark, fine-grained Chinese hardwood long prized by furniture makers and bead carvers, and it takes a smooth polish when handled. Circular strand of round, glossy black beads, each with a small white cloud-like or script motif engraved in line. A knotted cord and a larger bead sit at the top, with loose tassel ends above. It is 2.75 inches in diameter.

Black, polished, and strung with great precision.