Antique Nine Eye Dzi, 57.6×12.7mm, dark brown agate, asymmetric tapered form (At-071126-9E8)

🌿 Ethically sourced. Unretouched photos. What you see is what you receive.

One end of this bead comes to a point — not a rounded cap, but a genuine taper that narrows to a narrow tip with the drill hole centred right at its end.

The other end is rounded. Image 4 shows the pointed end in the foreground; image 5 shows the rounded end. The asymmetry between them is not subtle. Where a standard fusiform dzi barrel tapers symmetrically from a wide centre to similarly rounded ends on both sides, this bead tapers aggressively on one axis and conventionally on the other. The result is a form that sits differently in the hand and reads differently on the strand — a lance shape rather than a barrel, elongated and directional in a way that most nine eye dzi are not.

The motif is the same stepped S-curve nine eye layout seen in the other pieces of this group, with eyes distributed in two rows connected by stepped lines that change path on each face. Images 1, 2, and 3 show three faces in sequence. The motif lines carry a warm cream to honey-gold tone — there is some warmth in the etched zones, particularly near the pointed end, where the lines have absorbed slightly more colour over the centuries than through the central body. The ground is warm dark brown, confirmed from flat-lit white-background photographs across all three face images. The surface is smooth and evenly matte — a settled, aged quality distinct from the more pronounced micro-pitting visible on At-071126-9E6 and At-071126-9E7.

The pointed end in image 4 deserves particular attention: the taper arrives at its narrowest point intact. No chipping, no crack at the tip. Given that a sharp tip is the most vulnerable point on any bead of this age, its condition there is worth noting. The drill hole sits centred and clean at that tip. A minor surface mark is visible on the dark ground in image 2 — disclosed.

At 57.6mm, this is the longest of the three nine eye dzi in this session's group, and the only one with an asymmetric form. The length and the taper together give it a presence on a strand that neither of the more conventionally shaped pieces produces.

The Nine Eye Motif

The nine eye dzi (九眼天珠) holds the highest count among the standard eye dzi categories. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition it is associated with complete protection, the accumulation of merit across all directions, and the attraction of good fortune at every level of life. Among collectors, a genuine antique nine eye dzi in intact condition — particularly one with an unusual form — is among the most sought-after pieces the category produces.

Spec Block

Motif: Nine Eye — stepped S-curve connectors; two-row layout; warm cream to honey-gold motif lines; warm dark brown pupils
Length: 57.6mm
Diameter: 12.7mm
Form: Asymmetric fusiform — sharply tapered to a point at one drill-hole end; rounded conventional cap at opposite end
Material: Agate — warm dark brown ground, warm honey-golden end caps
Age Estimate: 300–500 years
Condition: Good. Minor surface mark on dark ground visible in image 2 — disclosed. Pointed tip intact — no chipping at the vulnerable taper end. Smooth aged matte surface throughout. No cracks.
Bloodspots: None
Product ID: At-071126-9E8
Collection: Antique Dzi · All Products

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Other antique nine eye dzi in this collection — 300–500 year group:

• At-071126-9E6 — 54.8×12.6mm, symmetric form, warm-toned motif lines
• At-071126-9E7 — 55.0×12.7mm, symmetric form, cool cream-white motif lines
• At-062926-9EBS — 77.0mm, longest in collection, with bloodspots
• At-012325-9E4 — 59.0×13.2mm, 200–400 yrs

Further reading: Real vs Fake Dzi Beads — The Definitive Guide · Tibetan Dzi Beads: Luck, Fortune, Meaning

Every bead at Ancient Dzi Shop is photographed without filters or retouching. What you see is what you receive.

🌿 Ethically sourced. Unretouched photos. What you see is what you receive.

Photo line: All 5 photographs are unretouched. Images 1–3 show three faces of the bead. Image 4 shows the sharp pointed drill-hole end. Image 5 shows the rounded drill-hole end.

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