Color change record of a flat fine 108 beads mala after half a year of breaking-in (patina process). With 108 beads and half a year of breaking-in, the changes of the mala accumulate little by little. Looking back now, the progress is visible. Recording the color change over half a year is also a record of my persistence.

Appearance at the start of breaking-in

Half a year ago, right after the base preparation, the mala was light yellow in color, with 108 beads neatly arranged. It looked clean but lacked luster. At that time, I had just started breaking it in, feeling curious and expectant, wondering what the mala would look like after half a year. Comparing now, the mala back then was unpolished, like a novice who had just started.

Appearance after half a year

After half a year, the color of the mala has changed. The light yellow has faded, giving way to a faint red tint. The overall color of the 108 beads is deepening, and some individual beads have already turned noticeably red. Color variation has appeared, with uneven shades — this is a normal pace of color development, and I still need to continue working on evening out the color. A thin layer of patina has also formed; the surface of the mala is oily and lustrous, and it feels nice when held and played with in hand.

The meaning of keeping records

The meaning of keeping records lies in looking back. The changes over half a year are not obvious when looking at a single day, but they are striking when compared side by side. This color change record of the flat fine 108 beads mala after half a year of breaking-in documents not just the color, but also daily persistence. Having persisted for half a year, I will continue breaking it in to even out the color variation, and the mala will look even better in color.