備中五色さざれ石＜岡山県＞ 【日本銘石】

BICCHU SAZARE Stone

備中五色さざれ石

Okayama Prefecture, famous for the land of Kibi and the legend of Momotaro. This is a Japan stone that can be found in the Takahashi River basin. It is one of the rare stones that has multiple different colors gathered into one crucifix. The beautiful and colorful stones made of jasper, diorite, chlorite, and quartz are also used for crafts. Crucifixes are also called "sazareishi" (pebbles), and are a representative Japan stone that even appears in Japan's national anthem. The five colors also represent protection from evil and bad luck in Buddhism, and in Japan, Kobo Daishi Kukai is said to have worn five-colored items to ward off evil, and in Japan, the custom of wearing them during unlucky years has become established.