Burmese Buddhist Temple. Black Daron Mantra Bead Ring. Silver-Gold Alloy Small Mantra Beads

Black Daron mantra beads from a Burmese Buddhist temple. The year is unknown; it is estimated to be from the 19th-20th century. It was already encased and set in a bronze ring setting in Myanmar. These black alloy mantra beads are vastly different from the commonly seen gold and silver Daron mantra beads. They closely resemble natural mineral "Lek Lai" grade 3. In fact, like the Mekhala alloy sacred objects from Thailand, they are special alloys smelted from over ten types of metals. Many Buddhist sacred objects in Thailand are inherited from Myanmar. This black Daron alloy, upon its transmission to Thailand, became Mekhala alloy. Due to differences in the inherited alloy formulas, black alloys also exhibit variations in depth of color and light refraction. These small mantra beads from Myanmar are most often set into rings for everyday wear. Possessing an extremely powerful magnetic field, they can suppress extreme yin entities such as ghosts and spirits. They serve as excellent protective, barrier-creating, and lucky amulets. Regarding the efficacy of black Daron mantra beads, a merchant in mainland China who frequently sources jade from Myanmar specifically brought a batch (50-60 beads) of these black Daron mantra beads in 2023. They sold out completely within just two months. It is said their primary efficacy is risk aversion. For further information, please search online; further details will not be elaborated here. The ring size is 16 (men's size). This ring setting is additionally adorned with 12 small mantra beads around its circumference. The reverse side features approximately 9 silver-gold alloy small mantra beads of varying sizes, known as "Tazang" beads. These smaller mantra beads are more difficult to refine the smaller they are. They are also retrieved by Burmese Buddhist temples from ancient stupas. Their quantity is extremely scarce, and their price is exceedingly high! Buddhist temples place 3-6 of these small mantra beads into very small vials, with a fragrant "Metta oil" paste applied to the interior for easy portability. The price of one vial is equivalent to NT$800. These are gifted only to devotees who donate towards temple construction during pilgrimages; they are not publicly sold. 8000-114.01.12