Antique Tibetan Double Wave Dzi Bead — 49.7 mm, Dark Brown & Black, 200–400 Years (AT-092926-DW4)

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

This bead shares its motif and size with our Antique Double Wave Dzi At-092826-DW3, but its colour is its own. Where that bead stays entirely in dark brown on honey-tan, this one brings in black alongside the brown — the design moving between the two dark tones and giving the bead a stronger range of contrast. Dark brown dominates, deepening to black in the wave forms and along the stripe dividers.

The ground is a warm honey-tan cream, and the layout is the classic one: three panels on each long face, divided by vertical dark stripes, each holding two opposing curves that meet at a pinched waist in an hourglass or butterfly shape. No two panels share exactly the same curve or line weight — the hallmark of freehand work, visible across the three side photographs.

The honey-tan ground has the natural texture of aged agate, with warmer orange-tan tones where the stone's banding shows through. At both ends the agate deepens to a near-solid dark brown-black. Both drill holes are small and clean. Condition is excellent, with no cracks or chips.

The Double Wave Motif

The double wave — also read as tiger tooth, bow or S-wave — is one of the oldest and most elemental dzi designs. Its opposing curves speak of two forces meeting and holding in balance, and it is worn for protection and steady fortune. Honey-tan with dark brown and black is a palette with its own following among collectors.

Specifications

• Motif: Double Wave; three wave forms per face between vertical dark stripes
• Length: 49.7mm
• Diameter: 11.9mm
• Form: Elongated barrel
• Material: Natural agate, warm honey-tan with dark brown and black motif; brown-black tips
• Age: Antique, estimated 200–400 years
• Condition: Excellent; no cracks or chips; small clean drill holes; natural polish
• Bloodspots: None
• Product ID: At-092926-DW4
• Collection: Antique Dzi Beads

You May Also Like

• Antique Double Wave Dzi, Honey and Dark Brown (At-092826-DW3)
• Antique Double Wave Dzi, Black and Cream (At-092826-DW)
• Antique Double Wave Dzi, Dark Brown and Black (At-090226-DW9)

Further Reading

• Dzi Bead Motifs and Their Meanings
• Tibetan Dzi Beads for Luck and Fortune

Five unretouched photographs: three side views and two angled views of the drill ends.