Over the years I have mentioned a number of beads called "ojime" which were adapted from the beads on the corners of covers for mahjong or folding card tables. The covers appear to be Chinese and the beads are sold as Japanese ojime. In this case, the beads are Peking glass and could not be mistaken for ojime.

But there are a large number of examples in lacquer, composition and glass which are unwittingly resold as "ojime." I have found many necklaces -usually on Portobello Road- which offer these beads in necklace form. And, it is possible that they were made in Japan for the Chinese table cover market. When you see these necklaces, count the number of beads which are nearly identical. Often there are four matching ones in these necklaces…Or, two pairs which seem to belong together as a group of four.