The pics show pieces that I suspect are from the same time period - 1890s - WWI.

The Chinese dragon matchbox cover displays a frankly breathtaking level of detail for such a small utilitarian object.

So at least one Chinese workshop could have made beads the equal of the ojime pictured ... but they did not, not until around the 1950s-1970s, as best as I can piece together the evidence.

I suspect the reason why involves a century of tragedy and undiscerning clientele?

Anyone else have some explanations?