Above is a typical selection of 'new' dZi beads that are sold as ancient beads on ebay. All are easily recognisable as being newly created beads for the following reasons:

• They originate from ebay sellers in countries where new beads are produced in vast quantities. Whilst there is nothing wrong in selling new beads it confuses the market when they are misrepresented as ancient.
• Price is always something to look for. All of the above beads are only a few dollars (genuine beads can command many thousands of dollars).
• The artificial weathering marks and surface crazing is not consistent with ancient dZi beads. New beads are simply made this way to give the appearance of age.
• The colour and highly polished glass-like surface sheen that we see on some beads is not typical of ancient dZi.
• A perfect uniform shape and rounded ends can also indicate a modern machine made bead.
• Many new Taiwanese dZi will display many eyes and stylised motifs that are never seen on ancient beads. Ancient dZi will probably have no more than 13 eyes, but it is likely 12 eyes is the highest number you are likely to see.
• There is also no indication that these beads have been strung over a prolonged period. If they were strung in the typical Tibetan fashion with other beads, then there would typically be some sign of this. The body and ends of the bead would usually be worn smooth from centuries of close contact to the body. New beads will fail to show this.
• Often new beads will still have stone powder in the perforations from recent drilling.
• Many ancient dZi display tiny blood spots that are believed to be iron oxide inclusions. New beads often show red or brown 'veins', which are only attempting to replicate the blood spots (see below).

Photo: New Chinese three eyed dZi bead.

Drilling techniques and the quality of agate being used may also help identify the age and place of manufacture of the bead.

The above bead is a rare quality 'new' six eyed dZi with longevity decoration. I have posted a number of high quality new dZi so that you can make comparisons between ancient beads and the new dZi currently offered in the marketplace. It is rare to find new dZi of this quality and beads such as this will command higher prices because they closely resemble ancient beads. The many new dZi beads on ebay (sold as ancient) do not come close to this quality which is why these beads are very sought after.

It is important to be clear about new dZi beads. Any 'agate' bead that is newly created with a newly applied decoration is a new dZi bead. The quality of new dZi will range from the very crude to the very beautiful. Beads that are made from other types of stone material, glass, wood, plastic and bone are merely imitation dZi (not new dZi).

It is very rare to find a new dZi bead that is more than 15 years old. It is worth noting that there are some rare antique (not ancient) decorated agate beads that are sometimes found in the Himalayan regions. They are believed to be somewhere between 100 and 200 years old. They are typically cylindrical in shape, opaque and jet black in colour. They also seem to be very slightly faceted and as this is subtle it is only really noticeable under magnification. They also have slightly rounded ends which is distinct from other new dZi coming from Mainland China. The decoration is white or cream coloured and they are mostly seen with six eyes or nine eyes but other motifs can also be found (like the Sakor Namkor shown below). They are very uncommon because they were originally made in Idar-Oberstein in Germany (Jamey D Allen). It is unknown at this time just how many of these beads were traded to the Himalayas. Whilst they do not command the same prices as ancient beads they are still more valuable than other new beads being sold. The largest producer of new dZi beads is currently Mainlaind China. 

Above: Idar Oberstein 'Sakor Namkor' dZi bead
(crafted in Germany, 100 to 200 years old) 

Typically called 'Bhutanese' dZi by Tibetans.

Rare quailty new dZi with eight diamond shaped eyes.

Rare quality new dZi with mountain peak decoration.

Rare quality new two eyed dZi.

Rare quality new dZi with unusual decoration.

Rare quality new Sakor Namkor dZi.

Rare quality new dZi bead with 6 eyes and longevity decoration.

Old Tibetan prayer wheel inlaid with antique coral bead. It is very common to find old ritual items that are adorned with old beads. Since whole beads are very valuable most items are set with broken or partially damaged beads.

This detail from a Thankga (Himalayan Art Resources) shows an offering of Coral branches and other rare jewels. There are numerous early Thangkas and references in sacred Buddhist texts that show that coral was highly valued by Tibetans. In fact coral may have been used in Tibetan Medicine from as early as the 7th Century CE.

A Tibetan woman adorned with amber, coral and dZi.

A new dZi (created early 1990s) with added weathering marks to give the appearance of age.

Ancient barrel shaped two tone agate bead.

A high quality 'new' dZi complete with added weathering marks to give the appearance of age. These beads are often sold as ancient beads on ebay. Be careful!

Imitation 9 Eyed dZi made from plastic and weighted with a metal core. Flanked by imitation Tasso dZi, also made from plastic. plastic nine eyed dZi approx 55 mm x 10 mm

Ancient Tasso (Horse Tooth) dZi.

Ancient decorated agate with six diamond shaped eyes or three single vajras.

dZi beads painted on the wall of a monsatery entrance.
Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal.

 

A collection of old Thokcha.

A bead trader sets up shop on some steps. All of the dZi are contemporary beads from Taiwan.

The dZi dealer

A typical set up of a bead dealer in Nepal. Notice the Tibetan Thokcha under the glass and the tray of prized Chung dZi. Pumtek beads can also be seen.

Ancient Bhaisajyaguru Bead with ancient agate disc beads.

Antique Ivory Ring

Antique ivory ring. Traditionally used in Tibet for adorning the hair.

The Chong or Chung dZi - Is it a Lesser dZi?

   

Photo: Ancient Chong dZi 

Tibetan Buddhism and the pre-Buddhist Bön religion have been practiced by Tibetans and people of the Himalayas since ancient times. Even today these traditions are still very much alive and they continue to play an essential role within Tibet and the Himalayan regions. The wearing of amulets and prized beads continues to be an important aspect of these traditions. Ancient dZi beads in particular, have long been sought after to protect the wearer from all manner of misfortune and ill health. This also includes protection from unseen forces that might disrupt or harm ones progress to enlightenment.

The name Chung dZi (say it like Choong), which can mean lesser (as in 'less desirable') or small, might suggest that these beads are not as highly regarded as other types of dZi. This certainly does seem to be the most widely held belief outside of the Himalayan regions (mostly held by Western bead collectors), however, it is doubtful this is entirely accurate as we shall see.

Ancient agate beads imported into the Himalayan regions, via established trade and pilgrimage routes, were possibly viewed as being inferior to the already much prized 'pure' dZi. Or perhaps they simply had a different use and meaning that in modern times is not so well understood? Pure dZi or 'original' dZi beads are elevated to a divine status and imported beads such as Chong are not necessarily seen in quite the same way. However, with the passage of time, Chong beads have been adopted and recognised by Tibetans as a type of 'ancient' dZi bead. This has also led to Chong being traded widely and used as amulets. They are also highly valued for personal adornment and are often seen being worn and showcased at special festivals. Their widespread adoption is also supported by the fact that they are considerably more affordable than pure dZi beads with eye motifs and other decorations. Chong are also ground up and used as a special ingredient in Tibetan medicine and therefore they were a valuable commodity in ancient times just as they are today.

If pronounced like CHONG it allows us a much more accurate understanding of this name. Rather than meaning 'less desirable' or 'small' (Chung), it refers to a specific type of stone material. In this case it is agate or chalcedony and sometimes it is translated as onyx or crystal. A Tibetan doctor would use the name Chong dZi to refer to a special type of 'ancient' agate/chalcedony that has unique healing properties. A Chong dZi is believed to have the power to cure paralysis for example. So I personally believe (having discussed this with numerous native Tibetan speakers) that saying it like CHONG is the closest pronunciation of this Tibetan name. In fact the Wylie transliteration is 'mchong', so it is clear that saying it like Choong is mistaken.

Beads that are commonly recognised as Chong dZi are clearly distinguishable from other types of beads within the dZi family. Tibetans basically believe that there are supernatural beads (not made from a gemstone of this earth - such as pure dZi with eyes for example) and there are also beads that were created by bead makers in ancient times from agate or chalcedony (Chong dZi). Tibetans attribute the name Chong to virtually any ancient agate bead (not regarded as pure) and all are held with high regard. Some of the most amazing Chong dZi are located in the Jokhang temple (which houses Tibet's most sacred statue). These beads are visually stunning and extremely large (significantly larger than any pure dZi) and they are obviously valued as a very precious offering. It therefore makes very little sense to call these beads 'small' or 'less desirable'. 

 

 Photo: The Jowo Buddha housed inside the Jokhang Temple

Chong dZi are not to be confused with 'pure' dZi. 

The most prized pure dZi are generally beads with eyes or unusual decorations. A pure dZi may or may not have eyes but it should always display some form of decoration or motif on the surface. Beads that only display equatorial stripes are called Chong dZi. A pure dZi can be opaque or partially translucent (the translucent beads are usually valued lower). The most sought after base colour is usually an opaque dark brown to black. I personally do not like to use the label 'pure' even though Tibetans make this distinction. I like to view each dZi as having its own unique qualities, however, it is important to recognise the different varieties within the dZi family. Ancient eye dZi seem to be found mainly in Tibet and the Himalayan regions, however, there are many similar beads (but not the same) that are also found in other parts of Asia. These beads have made their way to Tibet through trade and pilgrimage routes and over time the Tibetans have also adopted them as a type of dZi bead.

 

Photo: Ancient Sakor Namkor (displays one eye/circle and a square on the reverse)

The bead above is an example of a pure dZi. These beads have a distinct quality that distinguishes them from other decorated agates. It is important to recognise that there are other ancient beads that resemble the pure dZi (see the diamond eye dZi below), however, these beads are regarded by Tibetans as a 'special' type of Chong dZi. These decorated 'translucent' agates have found their way into Tibet and are also prized, yet they are clearly of a different quality and manufacture. Similar beads to the one below are said to be found in Afghanistan or Western Asia and are actually not so common. As these beads are so close in appearance to pure dZi, they are considered by Tibetans to be amongst the most valuable type of Chong. They can even be more expensive than a pure dZi if they have rare decorations. These beads are also believed to be ancient, however, there is still little known about their exact age or place of manufacture.

Photo: A diamond eye Chong dZi (this and similar beads
are regarded by Tibetans as a special type of Chong dZi)

The image below is a small example of what a 'Tibetan' would label and recognise as being a type of Chong dZi. Some of these beads are also known by different and perhaps more commercial names. An example of this is the ancient round agates (Bead no.2), which are now commonly known as Bhaisajyaguru, Suleimani or Soloman beads. The name Bhaisajyaguru (the sanskrit name for the Medicine Buddha) seems to be a more recent label given to these beads (possibly Taiwanese influence). In my experience of trading with Tibetans, they are also known as a type of Chong dZi. It is the 'decorated' agates with vertical equatorial stripes (see Chong bead at the top of this post and beads no.10, no.12, no.15 and no.17 below) that are more typically associated with Tibet and the Himalayan regions. These beads are distinct and are often much larger than other Chong dZi. They are also likely to be amongst the earliest types of ancient 'decorated' Chong beads. Undamaged specimens are now very scarce and can command high prices in the marketplace. It is now believed that many striped Chong dZi are excavated in regions of Nepal, which may indicate an ancient Nepalese bead making industry, however, this is still yet to be proven. 

The above 18 beads would be recognised as Chong
dZi types in Tibet and the Himalayan regions.

So what really is a Chong dZi?

Tibetans will give the name Chong dZi to virtually all ancient agate beads that are believed to be of man-made origin in ancient times. This means that Tibetans only view pure dZi to be of supernatural origin and uniquely Tibetan. On many occasions I have also seen Tibetans giving decorated carnelian beads (also known as etched carnelians) the name Chong dZi. So it is clear that the use of the word Chong is very loose and implies that any agate or carnelian given the name Chong is not necessarily indigenous to Tibet. Even if they have been adopted by Tibetans as a type of dZi bead they are never given quite the same status as a pure dZi.
 

Above: Large ancient Phum dZi, recently gold capped.

There are many different types of dZi bead. Beads known as Tasso, Taklok, Phum or Luk Mik are clearly of a different variety of dZi and some types will also be regarded as 'pure' dZi. These beads have a unique identity and they should not be confused with Chong dZi (even if they have been 'imported' in ancient times from regions outside of Tibet). There can often be a very subtle difference between ancient decorated agate types which is not always obvious to the untrained eye. This is one reason dZi beads are typically purchased from respected bead traders within the Tibetan communities. They will be specialised in their field and regarded highly for their knowledge and ability to identify authentic beads.

A necklace of ancient agates, carnelians, turquoise, lapis and gold.

Ancient Decorated Agate with Eye (Pyu Civilisation, Burma) 

Ancient Decorated Agate (Pyu Civilisation, Burma) 

Ancient Decorated Agate (Pyu Civilisation, Burma) 

Ancient Decorated Agate (Pyu Civilisation, Burma)

Imitation two eyed dZi, flanked by imitation Tiger dZi. All beads are made from plastic and sourced in Nepal. They all have a metal core to give the beads extra weight and perhaps the impression that they are made from stone. The two eyed bead measures 40.46 mm x 11.05 mm

New Pumtek from Burma. Beads created in the last 20 years to copy the ancient decorated Pumtek. 

Ancient Agate Bead 

 

Ancient Agate Bead 

Ancient Agate with numerous blood spots (cinnibar) that are thought to be iron oxide inclusions. 

Beautiful old Bodhiseed Mala. 

Ancient Agate Bead 

Old Carnelian beads (Possibly ancient) strung with old Green Jasper (possibly ancient) beads. 

Antique Tibetan Turquoise. 

Antique Turquoise Beads 

Large Ancient Bhaisajyaguru Bead 

Small Ancient Three Eyed dZi