Small ancient Three Eyed dZi. Eyes contained within squares.

Small ancient Two Eyed dZi. Eyes contained within waves.

Pair of small ancient Three Eyed dZi. Eyes contained within waves.

Small ancient Three Eyed dZi. Closed eyes or dots contained within waves.

Coral heirloom beads (approx 2 cm diameter). 

From a private Tibetan collection.

A perfect matched pair of coral heirloom beads 

(approx 2 cm diameter). From a private Tibetan collection.

The ends of this Pumtek show clear signs of very old 

wear from being strung and worn with other beads.

The spherical bead with stripes and eyes (2nd from left) measures 16.34 mm.

The most commonly recognised decorations on spherical pumtek beads 

will be simple stripes, zig zag lines, circles (eyes), dots and diamonds 

(rhombuses). Sizes generall range from 7 mm to 20 mm, 

however, smaller and larger beads are also found.  

Early Pumtek bead with decoration that resembles the shell of the Burmese Star Tortoise.

Shell of the Burmese Star Tortoise.

Long fusiform/cylinder Pumtek bead (42.89 mm x 10.61 mm) with stripe decoration. Possibly intended to symbolise tiger stripes.

Mixed strand of early Pumtek beads.

Ancient pumtek (Pyu period or earlier).

Old amber bead set into a silver ring (possibly originates from Afghanistan). Sourced in Nepal from a Tibetan Muslim trader.

Mixed necklace of very old Pumtek beads (silicified wood*)
 including much earlier Pyu beads. 

*(geology) A material formed by the silicification of wood, generally in the form of opal or chalcedony, in such a manner as to preserve the original form and structure of the wood. Also known as agatized wood; opalized wood; petrified wood; woodstone.

Ancient decorated bead with zig zag decoration. Named 'Kiamei' by N. E Parry in his book The Lakhers (1932). Believed to be Pyu period or earlier.These beads with zig zag stripes are a common decoration in ancient and much later Pumtek beads. Similar ancient beads (created from agate) were also made in India and may have influenced the Pyu beads. They are possibly meant to signify the stripes of a tiger. Although some sellers are known to label them 'Tiger Tooth' beads. When found in a Tibetan context they are sometimes believed to be mountain peaks.

Ancient Pumtek beads

Ancient Pumtek stone beads.

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.