Lot 100
Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th century CE. A large example of a deep brown-etched-on-white agate stone dZi bead with a chaotic banded wave form, rounded in cross-section, with a slightly bowed-out shape in the center. It is drilled through laterally. dZi beads are made of agate, with sharply delineated patterns, symmetrical shapes, strong color, and a glossy surface. Ethnographic interviews tell us that in Tibetan culture, genuine dZi beads must also be free from defilement and possess amuletic powers. Size: 4" W x 1.75" H (10.2 cm x 4.4 cm)
19th century Tibetans of every description and social standing wore large quantities of beads, made from the best materials a family could afford. For example, noblewomen wore strands of huge amber and coral beads so long that they almost touched the floor. Size and color were hugely important attributes, even more so than material. Coral, imported from Venice (alongside glass facsimiles as a more affordable option), and native turquoise were some of the most valuable, and served as both jewelry and currency. The only type of bead more precious was the dZi, black-and-white or brown beads made of etched and/or treated agate. These were made into a small variety of shapes with a large variety of patterns and were believed to be of supernatural origin. The patterns on them seem to relate to Tibets pre-Buddhist, animist religion. Little is known about them, in part due to Tibetan laws forbidding archaeological investigations on religious grounds. Their age and exact methods of manufacture remain nebulous - many Tibetans believe that they were not made by human hands, for example. The dZi is worn to protect against evil forces.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#143525
- Condition: Natural area of loss to one side. Faint scratches and patina on surface.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |