Nice 6 Eyed dZi bead from Nepal or Tibet. 3 sets of 2 offset around the barrel of the stone.~50mmx12mm ~10gm. Glassy finish, but with typical fine pitting.
You can clearly see that the patterns are below the surface, not painted or etched.
The age is indeterminate.
Shipped USPS Priority mail insured. Signature required on items over $100.
dZi beads are considered auspicious or lucky by people of the Tibetan culture.
Odd numbered eyes are considered much luckier than even numbers. Certain dzi , with shapes such as the "Horse Tooth" may also be seen, but are much rarer.
I acquired this piece sometime around 2001 from a reliable source in Taiwan, whom I have had many transactions over the years.
Authentic dZi beads with "eye" patterns may be hundreds of years old and are mentioned in Chinese historic documents c. 800 AD
Some striped agates and carnelians may be older and were traded throughout central Asia, possibly as long ago as Neolithic times.
Tibetans may refer to modern beads as lesser dZi or "Chung dZi"
I have seen dZi eye patterns painted on wooden and ceramic beads, as well.