Differing from African and European cultures, beads in the Far East were not worn as jewelry. They were instead worn as hairpins, belt hooks, plaques, and similar accessories. Beads were also often fastened to headdresses and hats. Beads were not incorporated into worship either because culture was highly affected by Confucianism, which shunned the importance of possessions.

Other implications regarding the influence of Confucianism because of the stern class code that exists. This assigned jewelry only to the wealthy and elite. This factor limited the sight of jewelry in regular society. Although, this did not stop beads from being manufactured for export. It was not until the rise of Buddhism that bead became incorporated into religious ritual.

Buddhism also lessened a lot of the class distinction that had formerly been in place due to Confucianism. There was also now access to luxury goods and beads for all classes of the public. Some of the most exquisite beads are the Chinese eye beads. They are extremely beautiful and complex.

The most influential bead from the Chinese culture was the jade bead. The jade that was used was generally plentiful in rivers and riverbeds. Jadeite is the form that comes in colors other than green. Beads from Korea more commonly used gold and silver. These beads were used for crowns and to decorate jewelry for royal tombs.

The most distinguished bead from the Japanese culture is the carved ojime bead. This bead started off in Japan and expressed the concept of adornment. This bead was a carved figurine that was used as a closure of a box that was used by people as a wallet. It is fascinating how beads play a specific role in almost every culture throughout history.

Is there anything more you would want to learn concerning beads or bead bracelets? Come to Novobeads.com to check out great, American made products that are fully compatible with all major bead bracelet brands!. Unique version for reprint here: Bead History In Pacific Asia.

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