Grey agate ‘Dzi’ bead, Liao dynasty

Carved and polished agate, cylindrical, with a convex profile and perforated lengthwise. The dominant colour is a pattern of concentric bands alternating shades of dark bluish grey with bands of light grey and opaque white, creating intricate patterns. Liao Dynasty (907–1125 AD) or later.

Length: 4.4 cm; Diameter: 1.3 cm

Weight: 12 g