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Sea Glass Marbles and Ohajiki: A World of Playful Collectibles

Sea Glass Marbles and Ohajiki: A World of Playful Collectibles

Posted by Lita Sea Glass Jewelry on 13th Sep 2023

Sea glass marbles and ohajiki are delightful little treasures that captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

While they may seem like simple trinkets, they tell a fascinating journey and provide a glimpse into the joys of play and history across cultures.

The Magic of Sea Glass Marbles

Sea glass marbles are small, spherical glass pieces that have spent years and decades, if not centuries, tumbling in the waves.

Once shiny, their surface becomes frosted as time goes on, making them some of the most popular sea glass finds on the beach.

But where do these beautiful ocean treasures come from? 

Marbles were once beloved playthings. 

Aside from that, marbles also served as stoppers in Codd-neck bottles for carbonated drinks. 

As the regulation for waste disposal to the sea was not as strict before, many of these used bottles, together with other trash, ended up in the ocean where they got broken - thus releasing these marbles. 

Other sources of sea glass marbles could be that they were once used to ease rolling heavy cargoes. 

Another is that these marbles may have served as ship ballast. This way, they provided weight to these vessels to help in maintaining stability, especially during bad weather.

The World of Ohajiki

Ohajiki, on the other hand, originates from Japan, where they have been cherished for centuries. 

These small, flat, coin-like discs were traditionally made from ceramic, stone, or glass. They served as toys and game pieces. 

As they were discarded into the sea, these flat marbles wash ashore many years later to become these frosted pieces transformed by the sea. 

How to Play Ohajiki:

1. The players start with rock, paper, and scissors to decide who plays first.

2. The ohajikis are then scattered on a flat surface (e.g. table, floor). 

3. The player indicates an imaginary line between two pieces, showing how they intend to hit one with the other by flicking it. 

4. If they hit the other piece as planned, they will keep this piece and continue playing. If not, it's the other player's turn to play. 

5. The person with the most pieces wins the game!

Collecting and Play 

Both sea glass marbles and ohajiki have found homes in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts. 

Collectors are drawn to their unique beauty and historical significance. 

These collectibles can be displayed in various ways, from glass jars to shadow boxes, to even wearable jewelry that truly showcases the beauty of these unique ocean finds.

Catch our Sea Glass Marbles and Ohajiki Collection! Shop this exclusive collection by joining our Inner Circle Community here!