Ancient Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 1st millennium BCE. A stunning chalcedony dZi (also Dzi) bead of ellipsoid form fit with a modern gold setting and strung on a braided gold strand with a lobster claw clasp to be wearable. Flanked by a pair of conical gold caps with undulating peripheries, the ancient bead boasts a glossy surface in a hue of carmine with natural banding in shades of jasper and burgundy. A series of 5 white striations wrap around the bead, alternating between straight and undulating, as the center band lies at the middle of the bead between a pair of gold rings that secure it to the necklace. Size (bead with gold caps): 2.5" L x 0.6" W (6.4 cm x 1.5 cm); (necklace): 19.9" L (50.5 cm); gold quality: 86.6% to 88.1% (equivalent to 20K+ to 21K+); total weight: 23.9 grams

According to Lois Sherr Durbin, "A black-and-white or brown bead of etched or treated agate, found in a limited variety of shapes but with a wide range of patterns, the dZi bead is revered in Tibet; it is considered a 'precious jewel of supernatural origin.' Few beads have provoked more scholarly controversy: their origin, method of manufacture, and even the precise definition of dZi beads is hotly debated. A prime reason for this is that Tibetan religious laws do not permit archeological excavations, so all information on them is from written, often vague descriptions and orally transmitted folktales. The mysterious and apparently ancient patterns found on most dZi beads suggest connections with the shamanism and sorcery of Tibet's pre-Buddhist, animist religion." ("The history of beads: from 100,000 B.C. to the present," New York: Abrams, 2008, page 211)

Many mythological stories serve as explanations of the origin of dZi beads. Some believe that dZi beads adorned the gods in ancient times, who then discarded them when they became blemished, which is why they are so seldom found in perfect condition. Others say that dZi beads were originally worm-like insects that became petrified with some relating that dZi were encountered in the high mountains by someone with especially good karma who managed to catch them, but they became petrified when defiled by human touch. Still, there are more stories of dZi being found in the horns of slaughtered animals or the dung of cattle. Regardless of their origin, the ancient beads are worn to protect their wearer from catastrophe and ward off evil spirits that may cause sickness and death.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#159435

Bead is ancient, but all gold is modern. Intact, excellent, and wearable with impressive remains of decoration on bead.