Modern Reproduction Antique-style White Tiger Stripes, Eyes & Stars Motif Dzi Bead (V-FA-062026-TESW)

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

This bead is vintage, not antique. It was made before 2000 using the traditional dzi crafting technique, with a deliberate antique-style finish, and has since gained more than two decades of genuine age of its own.

Unlike the black-ground beads in our antique-style range, this one is built on a cream-white ground. The design carries three rows of tiger stripe chevrons down the centre, flanked by six small open ring-eyes with dot centres and six stars — a combination motif rather than a single eye count.

The cream-white ground has a fine, even network of surface crackle across the whole body. It is a characteristic of the finish rather than damage, but to be plain about it: it is a fine web of hairline surface lines, present on every face. The motif is dark brown to near-black, standing out sharply against the light ground.

Two small details are worth naming. One small dark fleck sits in the cream field between the chevron rows on one face; it may be a natural inclusion or a minor surface mark. One end cap has a small surface pit beside the drill opening, not repeated at the other end.

The bead is an elongated barrel with gently tapered ends. Both drill openings are otherwise clean and round. No bloodspots.

The Tiger Stripes, Eyes and Stars Motif

Each element of this combination has its own meaning. Tiger stripes, also read as tiger tooth, are linked to strength and courage. Stars are associated with wisdom and a bright future. The eyes, repeated six times here, are connected with clear judgement and the easing of life's difficulties. Together the three reinforce one another.

Specifications

• Motif: Tiger Stripes, Eyes and Stars (虎紋眼星天珠); three rows of tiger stripe chevrons, six ring-eyes, six stars
• Length: 51.0mm
• Diameter: 12.7mm
• Form: Elongated barrel with gently tapered ends
• Material: Natural agate; crackled cream-white ground; dark brown to near-black motif
• Age: Vintage, made before 2000 using the traditional dzi crafting technique, with an antique-style finish
• Condition: Fine, even surface crackle; one small dark fleck on one face; one small surface pit beside a drill opening
• Bloodspots: None
• Product ID: V-FA-062026-TESW
• Collection: Antique-Style Dzi | New and Vintage Dzi

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• More antique-style dzi beads
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Further Reading

• Dzi Bead Motifs and Their Meanings
• How to Choose a Dzi Bead: Buying Guide

A light ground instead of a dark one — and that alone sets it apart.