Antique Japanese red-orange Mokume style lacquer beads with abalone shell inlay necklace. Early 20th century. These lacquer beads were inspired by the classic lacquer ware from Japan and China. This is a type of marbling technique (Mokume) in which colors are layered and abraded to create the effect. The beads are inlaid with abalone shell. These beads date to the 1910s. The bottom round focal bead is 18.26mm. The other beads range from 14mm to 23.75 mm long. The Mokume lacquer beads are strung with black lacquer coated wooden beads on a knotted black leather cord. The necklace circumference is 29 inches and the bead drop is an additional 3 inches long finished with a traditional Chinese button knot. This is a stunning necklace of rare beads in superb condition.