Guru Rinpoche's Dharma Cap Dzi, 49.8×13.2mm, Pitch-Black Agate (At-090626-GRDC2)

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

The two faces of this bead do not show the same scene. One carries scroll brackets flanking a central six-pointed star — the decorative panels of the cap. The other carries three arched domes across the top and a broad bordered panel below — the outline of the hat itself. The motif only makes full sense once you have seen both.

The Guru Rinpoche Dharma Cap is one of the most distinctive designs in the dzi tradition, drawn from the lotus-crown hat of Padmasambhava, the eighth-century master who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet. Here the cap is drawn in bold, well-defined cream-white lines on a pitch-black ground, clear from every angle.

The body is pitch-black, with warm brown end caps forming a clean two-tone transition at each end. The cream lines are intact and unworn. The black areas carry a fine age-consistent texture; there are no bloodspots.

At 49.8mm × 13.2mm this is a full-sized antique barrel. Both drill holes are small and clean, with no chipping at the rims. No cracks or chips anywhere. Condition is excellent. A rotating video showing all four faces is included.

Guru Rinpoche's Dharma Cap Motif

Padmasambhava, Guru Rinpoche, is revered across all schools of Tibetan Buddhism as the Second Buddha, who established the Vajrayana teachings in Tibet. His lotus-crown hat, the Dharma Cap, is one of the most recognised symbols of his wisdom and spiritual authority. A dzi with this motif is understood as a vessel for his blessing and protection, worn close to the body. On this bead the cap's decorative panels and structural brim are spread across two faces, so the complete form is revealed only by turning it.

Specifications

• Motif: Guru Rinpoche's Dharma Cap; scroll brackets and central star on Face A, domed cap outline and bordered panel on Face B; vertical cream dividers
• Length: 49.8mm
• Diameter: 13.2mm
• Form: Barrel
• Material: Natural agate, pitch-black with warm brown end caps
• Age: Antique, estimated 300–500 years
• Condition: Excellent; no cracks or chips; clean drill holes; fine age texture in the black areas
• Bloodspots: None
• Product ID: At-090626-GRDC2
• Collection: Antique Dzi Beads

You May Also Like

• Ancient Guru Rinpoche Dharma Cap Dzi (Ac-061926-GRDC)
• Antique Guru Rinpoche Ritual Scepter Dzi (At-071426-GRS)
• Antique Three Eye and Guru Rinpoche Paraphernalia Dzi (At-071426-3EGRP)
• Antique Guru Rinpoche Paraphernalia and Three Eye Dzi with Bloodspots (At-060326-GRRP)

Further Reading

• Dzi Bead Motifs and Their Meanings
• Where Do Dzi Beads Come From?

Six unretouched photographs (two of each main face and two of the drill ends) plus a rotating video of all four faces.