Benefactor Variant Motif (Arms Down), 27.4×12.2mm, Dark Brown Agate (V-071426-BNF)

🪨 Natural agate. Unretouched photos. What you see is what ships.

The figure on this bead does not have its arms raised. They descend from the central eye, curving downward on each side, a posture that sets this piece apart from the usual benefactor form and gives the motif a different presence on the face.

This is a vintage Taiwan dzi from the 1980s, crafted from natural agate using the traditional dzi crafting technique, carrying the Benefactor motif in an uncommon arms-down variant. The motif is organised around a single eye: on Face A the eye sits upper-centre, its cream oval ring and dark pupil clearly defined, with the descending arm-lines curving outward and down from the body below it. On Face B the composition shifts, the cream zones forming a more structural, grid-like pattern as the bead turns, with dark rectangular blocks within the pale field. The full figure only becomes legible when the bead is turned slowly and the eye, body and descending arms are seen together.

The ground throughout is a warm dark brown in the flat-lit white-background photographs. The cream motif zones carry a peachy-warm tone rather than pure white, so the whole palette is warm: dark ground, cream elements, and end caps all share the same warm-brown character.

At 27.4×12.2mm this is a compact barrel. The surface carries age-consistent texture visible in the macro photographs, with some fine surface marks. No chips or cracks are visible.

A macro photograph shows small reddish-brown natural cinnabar inclusions at the cream zone edges, present but not the main feature of this piece.

The Benefactor Motif

The Benefactor dzi, also called the Patron or Sponsor dzi, depicts a protective presence and provider of support: the ideal patron who sustains practitioners, communities, and the conditions for the Dharma to flourish. The figure is usually a stylised human form with a central eye. The usual form shows the arms raised in offering and blessing; this variant shows the arms descending, which can be read as bestowing, directing benefit toward those below. Both belong to the same meaning of protective patronage. The Benefactor dzi is said to draw helpful allies, good connections, and steady support toward the wearer. Read more in Dzi Motifs and Their Interpretations.

Specifications

• Motif: Benefactor variant (arms down)
• Length: 27.4mm
• Diameter: 12.2mm
• Form: Barrel
• Material: Natural agate; warm peachy-brown end caps
• Age estimate: Vintage, crafted in Taiwan in the 1980s using the traditional technique
• Condition: Good; age-consistent surface texture; fine surface marks; no chips or cracks visible
• Bloodspots: Light; small reddish-brown natural cinnabar inclusions at the cream edges
• Product ID: V-071426-BNF
• Collections: New & Vintage Dzi | Taiwan Dzi

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From the blog

• Taiwan Dzi Beads: The Vintage 1980s Guide
• Dzi Motifs and Their Interpretations

All photos are unretouched. Colour and surface detail are as photographed.

📷 7 unretouched product photos included.