A GROUP LOT WITH A ‘TASSO TIGER TOOTH’ AND TWO ‘TORTOISE SHELL’ AGATE DZI BEADS

拍品描述

A GROUP LOT WITH A ‘TASSO TIGER TOOTH’ AND TWO ‘TORTOISE SHELL’ AGATE DZI BEADS Tibet, 19th century or earlier. One of small oval-shaped and the other two of tubular form, featuring three tiger teeth bands and a tortoise shell pattern, skillfully etched to its surface. The agates of brown and black color with white etching. Central drillings allowing for suspension as pendants. Dimensions: Length 1.8-2 cm The Tasso Tiger Tooth Dzi bead is a powerful symbol of strength, courage, and protection. It is associated with the ferocity and resilience of the tiger, an animal revered in Tibetan culture for its fearlessness and dominance over negative forces. The sharp, angular stripes represent the tiger's fangs, signifying the ability to ward off evil, conquer obstacles, and instill confidence in the wearer. They are most often worn as protective amulets and are sometimes ground into a powder for use in traditional Tibetan medicine. The artisans who make the Dzi embellish the lines and shapes of the beads using ancient methods such as darkening with plant sugar and heat, bleaching and etching white lines with natron, and protecting certain areas with fat, clay, wax, or a similar substance. The Tortoise Shell or Double Longevity motif is a pattern traditionally associated with good health, endurance, wisdom, and long life. In Tibetan and wider Asian symbolism, the tortoise is revered as one of the longest-living creatures and serves as an emblem of stability and resilience. Beads bearing this motif were believed to strengthen the body, ward off illness, and promote well-being, while also imparting the tortoise’s qualities of patience and wisdom. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Zacke Vienna, 29 April 2025, lot 47 Price: EUR 1,300 Expert remark: Compare the related form, color of the stone and size (1.5-2 cm). Note the different motifs.

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