Please note that this is an antique item and may have scratches, cracks, or chips. Additionally, there may be new chips that have formed. Please check the photos for details.
About Dzi Beads (Chong Dzi Beads):
Dzi Beads are ancient beads from Tibet, similar to etched carnelian, created by baking natural dyes onto agate to form designs. These beads are believed to have been made approximately between the 1st and 6th centuries AD. However, the exact components of the dyes used in the baking process remain a mystery, making Dzi Beads one of the more enigmatic antique beads. While primarily found in Tibet, they have also been discovered in regions such as Bhutan and Ladakh in the Himalayas. Different baked-in patterns are thought to carry different meanings, with beads featuring eye motifs being particularly prized. In Tibet, Dzi Beads are considered symbols of wealth and prosperity, treasured as heirlooms and valued as adornments. Recently, their popularity has surged in China, where they are referred to as "Tian Zhu" (Heavenly Beads), leading to the production of many replicas using similar techniques. However, ancient Dzi Beads remain highly rare and sought after.
