Authentic Japan Yama Sango Prayer Beads Juzu Buddhist Rosary Auction JP

This is a rare, authentic vintage Japanese Buddhist prayer bead set (juzu) from the 1970s, made from Yama Sango (山珊瑚) — also known as Mountain Coral. Though resembling real coral, Yama Sango is a natural root-based material cherished in Japan for its beauty, durability, and spiritual significance.

The deep red beads symbolize vitality, protection, and purification, making them ideal for prayer, meditation, or ritual use. This piece comes unused, directly from a Japanese government auction, ensuring authenticity and quality.

Yama Sango was often used as a sustainable alternative to coral in spiritual items during the 20th century, and is prized today for its rarity and warm, earthy tone.

📌 Please see all photos carefully to judge the condition and craftsmanship. All sizes and bead counts are shown in the images. There are minor surface scratches due to long-term storage — consistent with a 50+ year-old item.

✨ Highlights 
✅ Authentic Japanese prayer beads made in the 1970s
✅ Crafted from rare Yama Sango (Mountain Coral)
✅ Unused vintage item, sourced from Japan gov auction
✅ Used in Buddhist practice for prayer and meditation
✅ Rich, natural red color — symbol of vitality & protection
✅ Great for collectors, monks, or spiritual altars
✅ Only minor surface scratches from age/storage
✅ Wabi-sabi charm — natural aging, spiritual depth

🌿 Meaning of Yama Sango (山珊瑚) Beads:
"Yama Sango" literally means "Mountain Coral" in Japanese:

山 (Yama) = Mountain
珊瑚 (Sango) = Coral

Despite the name, Yama Sango is not real coral from the sea. Instead, it's a type of natural red or reddish-brown stone, often fossilized plant or root material, sometimes from the Bischofia javanica tree or other hard root-based materials, carved and polished to resemble coral.

✨ Symbolism & Use:
Good Luck & Protection:
In Japanese folklore, Yama Sango is believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune, much like real coral.

Health & Vitality:
The deep red color symbolizes life force, blood, and energy. It is often associated with longevity and vitality.

Traditional Buddhist Use:
Yama Sango beads are often used in Buddhist prayer beads (juzu) or amulets, particularly in rural or older temple traditions.

Sustainable Alternative to Coral:
Because it’s a non-marine material, Yama Sango became popular as a sustainable and legal alternative to real coral, which is endangered and restricted in many regions.

🧿 Common in:
Antique Buddhist items
Samurai-era accessories
Inro, netsuke, and ojime beads
Prayer bead sets (juzu / mala)
Vintage Japanese jewelry

📢 Important Shipping Policy Update
To ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.
Orders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.

📦 Condition
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.