Antique Nine Eye Dzi, 57.6×12.7mm, dark brown agate, asymmetric tapered form (At-071126-9E8)

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

One end of this bead comes to a point — not a rounded cap, but a true taper that narrows to a fine tip, with the drill hole centred right at its end.

The other end is rounded. Image 4 shows the pointed end; Image 5 shows the rounded one. The difference is not subtle. A standard dzi tapers evenly to similar ends on both sides; this one tapers sharply at one end and conventionally at the other. The result is a lance shape rather than a barrel — elongated and directional, and it sits differently in the hand and on a strand than most nine eye dzi.

The motif follows the classic nine eye layout, with eyes in two rows linked by stepped S-curve lines that change path on each face (Images 1, 2 and 3). The lines are a warm cream to honey-gold, slightly warmer toward the pointed end. The ground is a warm dark brown. The surface is smooth and evenly matte, with a settled, aged quality.

The pointed tip is intact — no chips and no cracks. As the sharp tip is the most vulnerable point on any bead of this age, its condition there is worth noting. The drill hole sits clean and centred at the tip. One minor surface mark is visible on the dark ground in Image 2.

At 57.6mm, its length and taper give it a presence on a strand that conventionally shaped nine eyes do not have.

The Nine Eye Motif

The Nine Eye dzi (九眼天珠) carries the highest count among the classic eye dzi. In Tibetan Buddhist tradition it is associated with complete protection, the accumulation of merit and good fortune at every level of life. An intact antique nine eye with an unusual form is among the most sought-after pieces in the category.

Specifications

• Motif: Nine Eye (九眼天珠); two-row layout with stepped S-curve connectors; warm cream to honey-gold lines
• Length: 57.6mm
• Diameter: 12.7mm
• Form: Asymmetric fusiform — sharply pointed at one end, rounded at the other
• Material: Agate with a warm dark brown ground and honey-gold end caps
• Age: Antique, estimated 300–500 years
• Condition: Good; pointed tip intact; one minor surface mark (Image 2); smooth matte surface; no cracks
• Bloodspots: None
• Product ID: At-071126-9E8
• Collection: Antique Dzi Beads

You May Also Like

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• Antique Nine Eye Dzi with Bloodspots, 77mm (At-062926-9EBS)
• Antique Nine Eye Dzi, Amber on Dark Agate (At-012325-9E4)

Further Reading

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

All five photographs are unretouched: Images 1–3 show three faces, Image 4 the pointed end and Image 5 the rounded end.