Collecting
Wenwan Curios
They change with handling, and that slow change is the point
The point is handling rather than buying: walnuts, bodhi seeds and wooden beads darken and take a shine from years in the hand, and that slow change is the substance, so a new piece and a worked one are different objects. Prices span an enormous range. The market is full of fakes, so start cheap and build judgement.
First stepBuy an inexpensive string of bodhi-seed or wooden beads, handle it every day, and photograph the change in colour and shine over a month.
Barriers
Cost to start
Under $50
Going deep → $10k–50k
Alone or with people
On your own
Effort
Sitting
Without a teacher?
Self-taught
One session takes
Under 30 min
Where
At home
Why people take it up