**Originally Listed At $150**

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A large stone dzi bead with highly abstract motifs of circles, stepped motifs, and curved lines. The bead has a barrel shaped profile, with a slightly bowed-out center. The stone is a lovely orange with creamy white hues forming the "eye" motifs. Traditionally the six-eyed dzi is thought to eliminate sadness and sufferings in life, increase access to good luck, and protect against evil forces. Size: 1.5" L x 0.5" W (3.8 cm x 1.3 cm)

19th century Tibetans of every description and social standing wore large quantities of beads, made from the best materials a family could afford. For example, noble women wore strands of huge amber and coral beads, so long that they almost touched the floor. Size and color were hugely important attributes, even more so than material. Coral, imported from Venice (alongside glass examples as a more affordable option), and native turquoise were some of the most valuable, and served as both jewelry and currency. The only type of bead more precious was the agate dzi, black-and-white or brown beads made of etched and/or treated agate. These were made into a small variety of shapes with a large variety of patterns and were believed to be of supernatural origin. The patterns on them seem to relate to Tibet’s pre-Buddhist, animist religion. Little is known about them, in part due to Tibetan laws forbidding archaeological investigations on religious grounds. Their age and exact methods of manufacture remain nebulous - many Tibetans believe that they were not made by human hands.

Provenance: ex-Historia Antiques, Santa Monica, California, USA

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#141528

Intact with nice craquelure to surfaces.