An ojime (緒締め, lit. "cord fastener") is a bead used in Japanese inrō (carrying cases). It is typically under an inch in length. Each is carved into a particular shape and image, similar to the netsuke, though smaller. It is used to fasten the cord of the inrō so that it does not unstack while carried.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7b/A_Japanese_Meiji_Era_Mixed_Metal_Ojime_Bead.png/220px-A_Japanese_Meiji_Era_Mixed_Metal_Ojime_Bead.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/BLW_Inro_with_Reclining_Figure_in_a_Boat.jpg/220px-BLW_Inro_with_Reclining_Figure_in_a_Boat.jpg)
The history of ojime beads dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868). Ojime beads, netsuke, and sagemono or inrō cases would be items worn on a traditional kimono, typically hanging from the belt.[1]
Images
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A Meiji gilt bronze pearl-inlaid ojime
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Ojime at the Honolulu Museum of Art
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Beads! Ojime Beads, Wearable Forms of Japanese Art". 5 June 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
External links
editMedia related to Ojime at Wikimedia Commons