Chinese Mala with Sterling Tibetan Cloud and Prayer

A loop of dark round beads with swirling cloud motifs and a neat red-knotted tassel.

This mala with sterling Tibetan cloud and prayer motifs is from China, and is contemporary. It is zitan & silver. Zitan is a dark, dense, close-grained wood valued in Chinese woodworking for furniture and small objects, and it takes a smooth polish. Round, polished dark beads form a bracelet, each marked with a fine white inlaid swirl or tiny character. A decorative knot at the top is tied in cord. The surface has a deep, even gloss. It is 2.75 inches in diameter.

A small circle with a lot of calligraphy to keep track of.