Blister Pearls

[Barrie]

Many years ago I found a small lead Buddha some 3 cm high. Recent research revealed that the Chinese, several centuries ago, used to insert lead Buddhas into oysters so that they would be pearlised. Jeremy Shepherd at www.pearlparadise.com says they have an example of the Buddha pearlised and still in the shell. Can anyone throw some light on this subject?

 

[jshepherd]

Here is a picture of one we have on display in our showroom. It is not a valuable/unique piece by any means - they are widely available in China. But it definitely is a conversation piece, so I brought it back.

 

[jerin]

Blister pearls - Buddha pearls

Blister pearls - Buddha pearls

Barrie,

the Cinese used freshwater mussels for their Buddha pearls, probably Cristaria plicata, the chinese name is Chi pang and the Japanes name is Kurasu-gai. Besides that they also made use of Anadonta woodiana and other ordinary mussels. See also under Mabe pearls.

Regards

Inge Jernberg