dzi beads

Scope note: Refers to certain patterned beads, of cylindrical, tubular, or round shape, and generally made of agate. They originated in Tibetan culture and are particularly prized by Tibetan and Chinese Buddhists and other Asian groups. The most valuable beads are of ancient origin, have a reddish or dark brown color, and are characterized by distinctive ivory- or gold-colored patterns including circles that look like eyes, ovals, wavy lines, stripes, rectangles, and other symbolic patterns. The beads may be etched or carved. The beads are believed to be endowed with talismanic properties: Many were found in the earth by Himalayan farmers or shepherds, and the faithful believe that they were created by a mysterious lost process or are of supernatural origin. The processes of manufacture actually seem to have included taking advantage of the natural patterns of the agate, etching or carving the beads, using a chemical agent to create patterns, and firing the agate in a kiln. The existence of the beads is documented by the Chinese by at least the 7th century CE, but scholars believe that the technical knowledge for making dzi beads came to Tibet from Iran or India in very ancient times, perhaps along with the ancient Bon faith. They resemble banded agate beads and etched carnelian beads that were traded between Mesopotamia, the area of modern Afghanistan, and the Indus Valley as early as the third millennium BCE.

300266233

Tesaurus d'Art i Arquitectura