Beads

W200xL200mm, China

There are 2 lucky symbols on this glass bead mate; the Swastika signs at the corner and the longevity sign in the middle.  The 卐 (Swastika) sign has been passed on to China along with ancient Indian Buddhism religion.  In the 7th century, the Tang Empress Wu Ze Tian, ordered for its inclusion as a Chinese character, selected the right spinning version, to be pronounced as Wan with the meaning “the focal point of blessing from all direction”.  Since then apart from its original Buddhism uses, 卐 was also used as a household blessing symbol from embroidery to pottery and architectural decorations, the symbol also become more graphic and elaborated.  Longevity, has long been a symbol the Chinese adores for decoration.  This symbol on the beaded mate is one generated from the typography of the word Shou (longevity).