Chinese banded agate with strong colours and exceptional natural banding in transparency. This type of bead can be found in the Himalayan regions, like this one, but also in the Persian area. Ancient, with few nicks and very fine usage patina, it presents signs of age that could not be reproduced artificially, and a chip on one rim. We suppose it dates to the Tang Dynasty (from 618CE to 907CE), supported by the picture visible in "Sparkling Splendors - The Thaoshi Zhai collection",  page 218 - 219.
See about also "The History of Beads", Thames & Hudson, L. S. Dubin, in the chapter dedicated to the asian agate beads.

Size: 

Length:             26mm.

Side:                   9mm.

Weigth:            6,2grms.


Ancient and antique agate beads, that are diffused from the Mesopotamia (4000BCE) to Himalayan regions and beyond until 19th century, often are not decorated, however various methods were used in antiquity to alter the colour of the stone. These treatments made the crystalline layers or banding more prominent and thus enhanced the appereance of eyes and stripes. This in turn made the beads and the stone more desirable for personal adornment and for their use as amulets.



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