Nine Eye Dzi Bead, 60.6×12.9mm, Dark Brown & Honey-Toned Agate, 300–500 Years (At-082326-9E)

We never retouch our photos. What you see is exactly what you will receive.

The dark brown runs from eye to eye — and then, at both ends, the stone turns warm.

The body is a deep, opaque chocolate-brown on every face. Nine warm cream-tan eyes sit against it, each linked to the next by a stepped bar running the length of the bead. At both drill ends the stone changes character completely, becoming a warm, slightly translucent honey-orange — the agate's own colour opening up at the tips. It is a quiet but distinctive feature, visible from either end.

The bead is long and slender, 60.6mm × 12.9mm, with a gradual taper that gives it a more needle-like profile than the wider spindles often seen at this age. The lines are a warm cream-tan rather than stark white, gently mellowed with age. The stepped, right-angled connecting bars frame each eye in its own field, in the same style as our At-071126-9E8 and its companions.

Fine, even micro-pitting runs across the dark body, consistent with several centuries of handling. The body is low-gloss, with more gloss retained at the tips. No cracks or chips, and no bloodspots visible in the photographs.

The Nine Eye Motif

The Nine Eye dzi (九眼天珠) is one of the most sought-after forms in the Tibetan tradition, associated with good fortune, the removal of obstacles, wisdom, long life and protection in every direction. It is linked with Dzambhala, the deity of wealth, and is regarded as one of the most auspicious dzi to wear or keep on an altar. At 300–500 years old, this bead dates from roughly the late Ming to the early Qing period.

Specifications

• Motif: Nine Eye (九眼天珠); cream-tan eyes with stepped connecting bars
• Length: 60.6mm
• Diameter: 12.9mm
• Form: Long, slender fusiform
• Material: Agate, deep dark brown with natural honey-orange tips
• Age: Antique, estimated 300–500 years
• Condition: Fine age micro-pitting across the dark body; low-gloss body with glossier tips; no cracks or chips
• Bloodspots: None
• Product ID: At-082326-9E
• Collection: Antique Dzi Beads

You May Also Like

• Antique Nine Eye Dzi, Asymmetric Form (At-071126-9E8)
• Antique Nine Eye Dzi (At-071126-9E7) (sold)
• Antique Nine Eye Dzi (At-071126-9E6)
• Antique Nine Eye Dzi with Bloodspots, 77mm (At-062926-9EBS)

Further Reading

• The Nine Eye Dzi Bead: Symbolism and Significance
• Why the Nine Eye Is King of All Dzi Beads

Each bead here is one of a kind. Once it is gone, it is gone.