Agate ‘Dzi’ bead with eye decoration, Ming dynasty

Carved agate with a small, tubular body adorned at the ends with slightly wider edges, reminiscent of the morphology of a rolled parchment. It has a reddish or amber colour that serves as a base for the white decorations, where a central eye or circumference stands out. 

Such objects were used as part of traditional Buddhist elements and ornaments. It shows widespread patina due to the passage of time. Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) or later.

Height: 4.5 cm; Diameter: 2 cm; Total length: 29 cm

Weight: 28 g