Treasure of Okinoshima
| Name |
Usudama (Mortar-Shaped) Beads |
| Classification |
Talc |
| Excavated Point |
Excavated from Site No. 7 |
| Designated Category |
National Treasure |
| Era (real era) |
6th-7th Century |
| volume |
D.0.3-1.0cm |
| Description |
These steatite mortar-shaped beads are imitations of the small glass beads. At first they were delicately made beads in the same shape as those used in abacuses, but they gradually degenerated into drum shapes, or cylindrical shapes. These pieces include refined cylindrical beads with a diameter of about 0.5 cm, and larger shaped cylindrical beads with a diameter close to 1.0 cm. Pearl beads are very rare gems. Born out of fortuity, pearls with their marvelous shine were thought to be rich in magical power.
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