19th C. Tibetan Agate Dzi Bead w/ 6 Eye Pattern

About Auction

Live

VARIETY SALE | Ancient, Asian, Ethnographic

By Artemis Gallery

Feb 3, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-02-03 10:00:00 2022-02-03 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : VARIETY SALE | Ancient, Asian, Ethnographic https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/variety-sale-ancient-asian-ethnographic-8833
Join us for our first sale of February with a spotlight on two fabulous collections, one from Lumberton, Texas, and the other from Whisnant Gallery in New Orleans. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

View Full Catalog (340)

• Lot Description
  Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th century CE. This is a fine agate dZi (also spelled gzi) bead with a striking white on chocolate brown decorative pattern throughout, comprised of curvilinear lines, circles or eyes, and bands. The barrel shaped bead is hand-drilled laterally through the center for suspension and is fully intact and wearable. The "6 eye" pattern was created by etching the agate, then treating the surfaces with an alkali - such as potash or lead, before being fired, which permanently whitens this area of the bead - sometime the surface was alkali painted without etching, and sometimes the stone was completely whitened then the dark brown and black was added with another chemical. The exact methods of manufacture of dZi beads remain nebulous, and little is known about these beads, in part due to Tibetan laws forbidding archaeological investigations on religious grounds. Ethnographic interviews tell us that in Tibetan culture, genuine dZi beads must also be free from defilement and possess amuletic powers. Size: 1.91" L x 0.5" W (4.9 cm x 1.3 cm)
  
  Many mythological stories serve as explanations of the origin of dZi beads. Some believe that dZi beads adorned the gods in ancient times, who then discarded them when they became blemished, which is why they are so seldom found in perfect condition. Others say that dZi beads were originally worm-like insects that became petrified with some relating that dZi were encountered in the high mountains by someone with especially good karma who managed to catch them, but they became petrified when defiled by human touch. Still, there are more stories of dZi being found in the horns of slaughtered animals or the dung of cattle. Regardless of their origin, the ancient beads are worn to protect their wearer from catastrophe and ward off evil spirits that may cause sickness and death.
  
  Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
  
  #169400

  Condition

  Minor surface nicks and chips to the bead as expected with age and use. Some minor wear and rubbing to drilled opening ends. Bead is otherwise intact and wearable.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 26.50 %