Three-coloured agate ‘Dzi’ bead with lotus petals, Ming dynasty

Agate carved in a quadrangular shape, with four lobed reliefs on one side and rounded edges. It has a central hole through which a cord can be attached. It has a reddish color adorned by the natural light-coloured veining of the stone itself. The front face has a white background with four coffee-brown petals in relief.  On the sides and reverse, the overlapping layers of the stone's colours can be seen. The entire surface is decorated with a pattern of small incised flakes. 

This type of object was used as part of traditional Buddhist elements and ornaments. It shows widespread patina caused by the passage of time. Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) or later.

Size: 1,5 x 2,7 x 2,7 cm

Weight: 18 g