Nine Eye Dzi Bead, 53.8×12.5mm, Dark Brown Agate, 500–800 Years (Ac-091626-9E)

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

The cream on this bead is not the same cream you see on a younger piece.

The close-ups (Images 6–9) show a fine, granular, matte crystalline texture throughout the cream areas. The dark body has its own age signature: rough micro-pitting and a fine network of surface crazing. Together these two textures are what set a bead of this age apart from a younger one with the same layout. The arrangement of the nine eyes is the same; the surface is not.

The nine eyes sit in two rows on each face, with S-curve cream lines linking the columns. The bead has three tones: very deep dark brown through the body, warm sandy cream in the motif, and warm brown at the smooth, slightly translucent end caps. The cream has taken on a warm, sandy tone over the centuries.

Both drill holes are small and clean, with no chipping. No cracks or chips anywhere, and the motif lines are intact. A rotating video of all faces is included.

The Nine Eye Motif

The Nine Eye dzi (九眼天珠) is regarded as the most revered of all dzi motifs. Its nine eyes are associated with the nine stages of the path and the nine planets of Tibetan cosmology, and the bead is worn to draw in wealth, extend protection and remove obstacles in every part of life. A bead of this age has passed through many hands and generations of use before reaching you.

Specifications

• Motif: Nine Eye (九眼天珠); two-row layout on each face with S-curve connectors and stripe dividers at each end
• Length: 53.8mm
• Diameter: 12.5mm
• Form: Fusiform barrel
• Material: Natural agate, very deep dark brown with sandy-cream lines and warm brown tips
• Age: Ancient, estimated 500–800 years
• Condition: Good; no cracks or chips; crystalline texture in the cream areas and micro-pitting in the dark areas (Images 6–9); small clean drill holes
• Bloodspots: None
• Product ID: Ac-091626-9E
• Collection: Ancient Dzi Beads

You May Also Like

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• Ancient Twelve Eye Dzi (Ac-070826-12E)
• Antique Nine Eye Dzi (At-091626-9E)
• Antique Nine Eye Dzi with Medicine Dig (At-091626-9E2)
• Antique Nine Eye Dzi, Honey-Toned Tips (At-082326-9E)
• Antique Nine Eye Dzi with Bloodspots, 77mm (At-062926-9EBS)
• New Nine Eye Dzi, Grey-Black (N-062226-9E)

Further Reading

• Why the Nine Eye Is King of All Dzi Beads
• Real vs Fake Dzi Beads: The Collector's Guide

Nine unretouched photographs, including four close-ups of the surface, plus a rotating video.