Antique Five Eye Motif Dzi Bead with Bloodspots (TiD-Ant-B-FiE-092324)

Antique Five Eye Motif Dzi Bead with Bloodspots (TiD-Ant-B-FiE-092324)

This bead is adorned with the Five Eye Motif. The Five Eye Motif is believed to represent the Blessings of Kuvera (God of Wealth).  Its wearer is said to enjoy endless good fortune, longevity, and happiness.

This bead measures 41.1 mm x 12.2 mm.   It is an old bead, estimated to be between 300 to 500 years old.  

The bead material is high quality natural agate.  There are bloodspot inclusions on this dzi bead.  The color of the bloodspots on this dzi is a perfect vermillion.

This bead is in excellent condition.  There are no cracks on this bead.  As with all old dzi beads, weathering marks and minor digs are all part of the beauty.

Bloodspot (Cinnabar Dot) info:

Cinnabar dots are also known as "bloodspots" or "硃砂" in Chinese.  They occur when mercury and sulfur are present when the agate was formed.  Mercuric sulfide (or cinnabar) is obtained when mercury reacts with sulfur.  In its purest form, the color is a deep red.  In fact, it is how vermilion pigment is made.  However, it is difficult and rare to find it in its purest form in agate.  The purest form, used to make vermillion, is usually obtained in labs where conditions can be controlled.  In nature, there is usually other material present thus giving it slight variations in its redness.