Eighteen ArhatsBlack Nephrite Bracelet

A bracelet of carved black nephrite beads, each cut as the head of an Arhat — the enlightened disciples of the Buddha, known in Chinese as luohan, with the Eighteen Arhats among the best loved subjects of Chinese carving. Every face is different: some serene, some stern, with lined brows, beards and folds worked in relief.

Small amber-orange spacer beads separate them. The stone is moyu (墨玉), "ink jade" — nephrite so dark that it reads as black, with a deep polished gloss.

It is sold as Hetian jade. Each bead measures roughly 24 × 18 × 17 mm and the whole bracelet weighs about 80 g, so it has a pleasant weight on the wrist.

Natural stone, so beads and polish differ slightly from one bracelet to the next. Wipe with a soft cloth and keep away from hard knocks.