Suspended between monument and adornment, Prayer Beads transforms the intimate form of a traditional mala necklace into an immersive sculptural presence. Preserving the repetitive structure and meditative rhythm of prayer beads while enlarging them beyond human scale, the work shifts their function from something worn on the body to something physically encountered within space. In doing so, the piece invites viewers to consider adornment as both personal relic and social symbol, carrying the weight of ritual, devotion, and memory.

Constructed from hand-finished maple wood beads and anchored by a brushed cotton rope tassel, the sculpture emphasizes materiality and the evidence of touch. The natural grain of the wood, combined with subtle variations in finish, evokes the wear associated with repeated handling and prolonged use, giving the object a sense of lived history despite its monumental scale. The crimson tassel introduces a concentrated weight of color and texture, contrasting the restraint of the wooden form while reinforcing the object’s physical and tactile presence.