Tiger Tooth & Wave Motif Pair, 18.2×15.8mm & 17.9×15.7mm, very dark brown agate (At-070626-TTW)

Every piece at Ancient Dzi Shop is photographed without digital retouching — what you see is exactly what you receive.

These two beads share the same motif and the same very dark brown ground — but hold them side by side and the cream of one is warmer than the other, and the surface of one carries a deeper gloss than its companion.

This is a matched pair of antique Tibetan round dzi beads, each carrying the tiger tooth and wave motif — broad cream-line chevrons wrapping the full circumference, with the characteristic triangular tiger tooth tips appearing at each drill face. The beads are nearly spherical, with a gentle fullness that gives the composition unusual presence for their size: the zigzag chevron bands are wide and confident, and the tiger tooth triangles at each pole close the pattern into a complete, self-contained composition that reads differently from every angle.

The two beads share the same very dark brown ground — a depth of colour that approaches black in shadow but confirms its warm brown character in flat light and across all white-background photos. The similarity ends there. Bead A carries ivory-cream motif lines with a slightly golden warmth, its dark ground high-gloss and polished; its drill-end cap is warm honey-tan agate. Bead B's motif lines are a brighter, cooler white — higher contrast against the ground, which has a marginally more matte texture across some faces; its drill-end cap is cream-white, broader and lighter in tone than Bead A's. A faint surface mark is present on the body of Bead B, visible in image 3 and disclosed here. No cracks are observed in the unretouched photos of either bead.

Both end caps confirm agate as the base material: the characteristic cream-to-warm-beige surfaces with high gloss and small centred drill holes are consistent across both pieces. These beads were made by the same hand in the same tradition — they were acquired and are sold together as a matched pair.

The Tiger Tooth & Wave Motif

The tiger tooth — named for its triangular, fang-like form — is one of the most ancient and widespread motif elements in the Tibetan dzi tradition, appearing on beads of every age from the earliest ancient pieces to antique and vintage examples. It represents the protective power of the tiger: ferocity in the face of obstacles, the sharp decisiveness that cuts through hesitation, and the fierce guardianship associated with wrathful protective deities. Combined with the wave motif — flowing chevron bands that reference the unceasing movement of enlightened activity, the continuous rising and falling of compassionate action in the world — the result is a composition that unifies protection and movement, stillness and force, in a single continuous design.

Spec Block

• Motif: Tiger Tooth & Wave
• Dimensions (Bead A): 18.2mm × 15.8mm
• Dimensions (Bead B): 17.9mm × 15.7mm
• Form: Round (near-spherical barrel)
• Material: Agate
• Age Estimate: 200–300 years
• Condition: Good antique condition; faint surface mark on Bead B body, disclosed and visible in image 3; no cracks observed in unretouched photos of either bead
• Bloodspots: None
• Product ID: At-070626-TTW
• Collection: Antique Dzi / Round Beads / Pairs & Sets

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Browse more antique dzi: Antique Dzi | Round Beads | Pairs & Sets

Also in the collection — antique round dzi pairs in the same crafting tradition: Six Eye Lotus Round Pair (050826) | At-121025-6ELC2 | At-111325-WTT

Learn more: What Are Dzi Beads? | What Makes a Dzi Bead Authentic?

This pair is offered as found — photographed honestly, described completely.

Every piece at Ancient Dzi Shop is photographed without digital retouching — what you see is exactly what you receive.

All photos are unretouched. Natural lighting. No filters applied.

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