Three Eye Tiger Tooth Motif, 21.2×15.4mm, Cream-White & Grey Agate (V-072226-3ETT)

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

On this bead the cream-white is not the background — it is the main element, and the dark brown forms carrying the eyes and tiger tooth spots sit within it.

This round 1980s Taiwan dzi carries the Three Eye Tiger Tooth motif across its whole surface. On a round bead the eyes have no fixed position; each sits on its own part of the curve and the design shifts as it turns. From one angle a diamond-shaped eye stands out clearly within the cream, its dark brown ring and pupil crisp and distinct. Turn it and a second eye appears among tiger tooth spots. From the ends, the cream and dark areas merge into large sweeping zones of colour.

The palette is unusually varied for a round Taiwan dzi. The cream-white ground is broad and bright; warm dark brown and reddish-brown form the eyes and tiger tooth accents; and a cool grey with a slight green tint appears around the drill holes and in parts of the body, adding a third tone. The drill openings show a vivid warm reddish-orange at their centres.

At 21.2mm × 15.4mm the bead is oblate — wider than it is tall — and sits flatter in the hand than a true sphere. Fine age-consistent surface marks are present. No chips or cracks.

This is a vintage bead, made in Taiwan in the 1980s using the traditional dzi crafting technique.

The Three Eye Tiger Tooth Motif

The Three Eye dzi (三眼天珠) is associated with happiness, prosperity and longevity and with the fulfilment of wishes. The tiger tooth adds protection, the tiger's power as a guardian against harm. Together they pair prosperity with protection.

Specifications

• Motif: Three Eye Tiger Tooth (三眼虎牙); diamond-form eyes with tiger tooth spots
• Size: 21.2mm × 15.4mm
• Form: Round, oblate
• Material: Agate in cream-white, dark brown, reddish-brown and cool grey
• Age: Vintage, 1980s Taiwan, made using the traditional dzi crafting technique
• Condition: Good; fine surface marks; no chips or cracks
• Bloodspots: None
• Product ID: V-072226-3ETT
• Collection: Taiwan Dzi | Round Beads

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Further Reading

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

Five unretouched photographs; colour and surface detail are exactly as shown.