What is "OJIME"
Ojime is the name of the sliding button device that resembles a bead. It is usually 3/4 inch in diameter or less and can be made of any material. It is sometimes a unique carved animal or just plain. One distinct difference between an ojime and a bead is the center hole of the ojime has to be larger to accommodate the double thickness of the cords that secure the compartment. As for the netsuke (pronounced "nets-kay"). The word comes from the Japanese word for "root" or "twig". History dictates that the original netsuke were carved from a piece of root or small piece of branch.   Artists over the years have made the designs more and more elaborate thus developing it into a cherished art form.
 Ojime beads are hand carved in rural China out of a boxwood, which is a very hard wood.  This is a hard wood used in decorative and jewelry pieces but also hard enough for smoking pipes!  It has a natural, hand polished, patina finish.