Antique Six Eye & Tiger Tooth Motif Dzi with Bloodspots

Antique Six Eye & Tiger Tooth Motif Dzi with Bloodspots

This bead is adorned with the Six Eye & Tiger Tooth Motif.  The Six Eye Motif is believed to improve the physiological functions, release from the sufferings (Samsara), and remove impending misfortunes.  The Tiger Tooth Motif is believed to bring strength and courage.

This bead measures 57.4 mm x 12.5 mm.  It is an old bead, estimated to be between 200 to 300 years old.

The bead material is high quality natural agate.  There are natural bloodspot inclusions on this bead.  However, the natural color contrast is difficult to capture in photographs.

This piece is in excellent condition.  There are no cracks on this bead.  As with all antique 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.