A VERY LARGE TWELVE-EYE AGATE DZI RITUAL OBJECT

拍品描述

A VERY LARGE TWELVE-EYE AGATE DZI RITUAL OBJECT Tibet, 19th-first half of the 20th century. Of very large elongated tubular form with tapering ends, featuring twelve distinct eyes skillfully etched to its surface. The translucent agate of a dark brown color with black inclusions. Its significant size and weight suggest it was not intended for personal adornment but rather served as a ceremonial or ritual object, placed in a monastic setting or private shrine for spiritual protection and reverence. Dimensions: Length 12.5 cm Dzi ritual objects are considered powerful spiritual artifacts and are distinct from traditional Dzi beads, which are typically perforated for wearing. These non-drilled Dzi stones are often found in Buddhist monasteries, family altars, or temple sanctuaries, where they are believed to radiate protective and sacred energy. Due to their rarity and exceptional craftsmanship, large Dzi pieces like this one were typically reserved for high-ranking lamas, spiritual leaders, or noble families, signifying both status and spiritual potency. Eye Dzi beads are among the most revered and powerful in Tibetan and Himalayan spiritual traditions. The eyes symbolize heightened perception, wisdom, and divine protection, serving as a guardian against negative energies, misfortune, and spiritual harm. In Buddhist culture, ‘seeing’ represents enlightenment, as the eyes of the Buddha are said to perceive both the material and spiritual worlds. 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 number of eyes on a Dzi bead further influences its specific meaning and purpose. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Zacke Vienna, 29 April 2025, lot 7 Price: EUR 1,690  Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, color of the stone with similar provenance. Note the size (20.6 cm).

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