Three-coloured agate ‘Dzi’ bead, Zhou dynasty

An antique agate bead with carved relief decorations of leaf scrolls and ruyis. Carved in the shape of a sheath, elongated with rounded edges and a bulging centre, it has a central hole that runs through it for the insertion of a cord.  It shows patina due to age and the passage of time, and a crack or flaw in the centre. 

This type of object was used as part of traditional Buddhist ornaments and elements. It shows generalized patina produced by the passage of time, Zhou Dynasty (2nd - 221 BC) or later.

Size: 1.9 x 1.9 x 8.3 cm