Three-coloured agate ‘Dzi’ bead, Tang dynasty

Agate carved in the shape of a sheath, slightly curved on one side, elongated with rounded edges, narrower at the ends, and with a central hole through which a cord can be attached. It has a reddish colour adorned by the natural light-coloured veining of the stone itself. 

Such objects were used as part of traditional Buddhist ornaments and elements. It shows widespread patina caused by the passage of time. Tang Dynasty (618 - 906) or later.

Size: 1.6 x 1.1 x 6.7 cm

Weight: 13 g