Tang‑Dynasty Precious‑Vase Motif Ancient Dzi Bead

拍品描述

Dimensions: 3.6 cm (1.42 inches) long, 12 grams, 7th-10th centuries. Condition and provenance: The bead is intact and undamaged, with no obvious breakage. The entire surface is covered with thick, silky weathering marks, with fine, natural fish-scale-like weathering patterns. The etched patterns are well-preserved, with a striking black-and-white contrast. Slight natural aging and discoloration are visible in some areas. Both ends and the hole are smoothed by long-term use, and the inner hole is polished to a mirror shine from centuries of threading. There is only a very shallow old notch at the end. There are no signs of modern polishing, the pattern remains unchanged, there is no secondary etching, and no recent defects or cracks. This is the natural weathering of an ancient dzi bead. From a private collection in Chicago, Illinois, USA. This Tang Dynasty precious bottle-shaped dzi bead was acquired in 2004 by an Illinois collector specializing in Himalayan antique beads from an antique dealer in Kathmandu. This bead has always been kept in a temperature-controlled, dust-proof special bead box, for private appreciation and research only. It has never been publicly auctioned or exhibited in any museums. Description: This Tang Dynasty noble bottle-shaped dzi bead is made of etched agate, in the classic cylindrical shape of a thunder bead. The base color of the bead is deep, contrasting sharply with the milky white bleached decorative patterns. The top and bottom of the bead are decorated with noble bottle totems, separated by parallel horizontal lines. The ancient etching technique is authentic and natural, with soft and natural transitions at the edges of the patterns. After hundreds of years of wearing and circulation, the surface of the bead has developed a rich and full patina, covered with delicate weathering textures. The wear marks on the bead hole are authentic and natural, without any processing. In Himalayan cultural beliefs, bottle-shaped dzi beads symbolize peace, longevity, and abundance. This dzi bead retains clear blessing totems and characteristics of its age. It is a beautiful ancient Himalayan engraved dzi bead, of extremely high value for the study of Tibetan folklore, ancient beadwork, and private collections.

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