This bead is adorned with the Tasso Motif. The Tasso Motif is believed to bring strength and courage. The Tasso Motif is also known as the Horse Tooth Motif. And, sometimes it is interpreted as the Tiger Tooth Motif or Wave Motif.
This bead measures 29.9 mm x 12.3 mm. It is an old bead, estimated to be between 300 to 500 years old.
The bead material is high quality natural agate.
This piece is in excellent condition. There are no cracks on this bead. As with all antique dzi beads, weathering marks and minor digs are all part of the beauty.
Bloodspot (Cinnabar Dot) info:
Cinnabar dots are also known as "bloodspots" or "硃砂" in Chinese. They occur when mercury and sulfur are present when the agate was formed. Mercuric sulfide (or cinnabar) is obtained when mercury reacts with sulfur. In its purest form, the color is a deep red. In fact, it is how vermilion pigment is made. However, it is difficult and rare to find it in its purest form in agate. The purest form, used to make vermillion, is usually obtained in labs where conditions can be controlled. In nature, there is usually other material present thus giving it slight variations in its redness.