Old silver, amber and Pema Raka (Nepal).

High quality 'NEW' three eyed dZi from the early 1990s. With surface weathering and dig marks to give the appearance of age.

Ancient Agate bead. Sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

Ancient Three Striped Chung dZi.

Ancient Agate bead. Sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

Tibetan Woman, Darjeeling c1910 to 1920. She appears to be wearing a damaged three eyed dZi which is seen to the right of her large silver gau.

Small ancient barrel shaped three eyed dZi.

Ancient Two Eyed dZi bead.

A selection of ancient Tiger dZi.

A highly prized pair of ancient Tiger dZi.

Ancient Tiger dZi without a central stripe and end stripes.

The most sought after Tiger dZi display not only the double stripes that look like waves but also a central stripe and end stripes.

Photograph taken in 1920's or 30s.

Old Bodhiseed Mala with Amber.

A selection of ancient and antique beads sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

A collection of ancient and antique beads sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

A collection of ancient and antique beads sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

Pema Raka (centre) with silver caps, flanked with antique amber.

Ancient Pumtek/Pyu Beads (Burma). Pumtek are considered to be amongst the oldest heirloom beads in Southeast Asia. Relatively little attention has been given to them outside of Burma. And very few of these beads make it into the marketplace. The Chin believe it will end their family line if they part with them (Peter Francis Jr).

Very old Pumtek flanked with jade.

Happy Death Mask, Nepal

Happy Death Mask, Nepal, originally uploaded by Wonderlane.

Perfect pair of ancient Tasso dZi.

Small ancient eyed dZi.

Ancient four striped decorated agate bead. Sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

Rare quality 'NEW' twelve eyed dZi. Made in Taiwan and sourced in Nepal.
62.83 mm x 14.21 mm.

Ancient single stripe Chung dZi. Sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

Chank Shell Mala

Chank Shell Mala (Rosary), originally uploaded by James Wainwright.

Traditional Himalayan Dress

Traditional Himalayan Dress, originally uploaded by James Wainwright.

Turquoise & Coral Necklace

Turquoise & Coral Necklace, originally uploaded by James Wainwright.

 

Unusual ancient decorated or etched carnelian bead. Sourced in Peshawar, Pakistan.

A fine quality contemporary strand of agate eye beads. These beads are made in China and Taiwan and target the Tibetan market where they are known as Luk Mik (Goat's Eye). Four of the beads are decorated. The fusiform bead at the apex is a new agate bead from China. Collected over a 10 year period. Largest bead measures 36.84 mm.

A variety of ancient Chung or Chong dZi. There is also a single ancient decorated Luk Mik. All beads sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

A selection of antique and ancient Himalayan beads.

A super large ancient Bhaisajyaguru bead. Diameter 3.9 cm!!

Ancient striped Chung dZi.

Tibetan Ladies in Dege

Tibetan Ladies in Dege, originally uploaded by sleepycafe.

Tibetan Lady

A nice Tibetan Lady, originally uploaded by Nilpesh.

Tibetan Lady, 1880s

Tibetan Lady, 1880s, originally uploaded by Foxtongue.

Antique turquoise beads sourced in the Himalayan regions are magnificent in their colour and feel. Their freeform shape gives them real character. Natural oils from the skin will alter the colour of these beads from their original blues to much darker greens. Tibetans believe these beads help absorb toxins from the body. Notice the enlarged perforation on this bead. This gradually happens over the course of many years of being strung.

A modern Taiwanese 'New' dZi purchased in Nepal. This is a magnificent and huge bead (83.41 mm x 20.37 mm). Similar beads are routinely misrepresented on ebay and more commonly on Asian websites as being ancient.

Attractive single stripe decorated agate beads. These are newly created beads from Taiwan or China. Designed to closely resemble the ancient Bhaisajyaguru (Suleimani/Soloman) beads.

High quality new luk Mik dZi with 'horns' (Taiwan). with approx 35 mm

Very high quality 'NEW' Luk Mik dZi with horns. Notice the added weathering marks to give the appearance of age.

Melon shaped Pema Raka bead.

A rare quality ancient agate bead with a very desirable colour. Sourced in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. 5.7 cm x 1.6 cm.

A modern Taiwanese Lotus/Vase dZi (sourced in Nepal). Genuine ancient beads with this decoration are amongst the most sought after of all dZi. Apparently in some regions of Tibet they are considered more valuable than the legendary 9 eyed dZi.

Ancient Agate Bead with natural stripe.

Rare quality banded agate cylinder bead. 6.5 cm x 1.3 cm

Local woman in Geling, Mustang

Local woman in Geling, Mustang, originally uploaded by BobWitlox.