Ancient 'tourmaline' glass bead (left) and ancient amethyst bead (right). Sourced in Nepal.

Ancient decorated carnelian eye bead. Sourced in Nepal.

Ancient round decorated carnelians with dot design.

Ancient decorated carnelian bead.

Fine quality 'new' bow shaped Chung dZi. Sourced in Nepal.

Fine quality 'new' bow shaped Chung dZi. Sourced in Nepal.

Fine quality 'new' Chung dZi bead. Sourced in Nepal.

Very rare ancient decorated carnelian bead. These cone shaped beads are normally seen displaying only four eyes (one eye in each zone). This bead displays sixteen eyes (four eyes in each zone). Sourced in Nepal.

A large skull bead carved from deer antler. Sourced in Nepal.

Antique turquoise bead. Sourced in Nepal.
Copyright © James Wainwright

Ancient agate bead.

Ancient banded agates.

Ancient carved agate bead. Sourced in Nepal.

Ancient banded stone bead. Sourced in Nepal.

Ancient chalcedony bead.

Ancient agate drop bead (center). Sourced in Nepal.

Ancient onyx bead. Sourced in Nepal.

Various ancient stone beads, including an imitation agate bead made from glass (round black and white bead to the right).

Ancient banded agate bead.

Ancient agate beads.

An antique Pema Raka carnelian bead. The Tibetan name Pema Raka originates from the sanskrit words Padma meaning Lotus flower and Rakta meaning red or blood--and so we have a translation of  blood lotus or red lotus. Pema Raka beads range from orange to deep red in colour and come in a variety of shapes. They might also display crystalline banding and inclusions. It is interesting to note that this name is also given to rubies in both the Tibetan materia medica and Indian Ayurvedic texts. Tibetans texts mention that there are nine varieties of ruby, which may also be called Pema Marpo. In Tibetan medicine the Pema Raka is believed to protect from evil spirits and to absorb illnesses. I have yet to ascertain if  Tibetans actually regard carnelian as one of the nine varieties of Ruby or whether these beads have mistakenly been given this name. In Tibetan medicine the Pema Raka is believed to protect from evil spirits and to absorb illnesses.

It has been suggested that the majority of Pema Raka are unlikely to be more than 300 years old (+ or -) and are of Chinese origin (still unproven). However, there is also a widely held belief that some Pema Raka could be as much as 2000 years old, and traded to Tibet from Afghanistan or central Asia (also unproven). The great weathering and wear at the perforations does point to a much earlier period for some beads. In our opinion there are clearly different periods of manufacture with some being ancient and others being antique. Whether the carnelian is from the same source also needs more investigation. Since Pema Raka are used as an ingredient in Tibetan medicine, it is likely they have been in circulation since at least the 12th century.

Ancient red jasper bead. Not to be confused with carnelian (see Pema Raka above). Sourced in Nepal.

A stunning 'new' bow shaped Chong dZi. Sourced in Nepal.

Ancient banded agates.

Rare four armed Chenrezig (Sanskrit: Avalokiteśvara). Hand carved from natural red coral.

 

Antique imitation dZi beads made from glass and mainly
displaying four eyes (sourced in Nepal approx 30 mm x 13 mm)

Antique imitation dZi bead made from glass. This bead displays nine eyes. Sourced in Nepal 32.78 mm x 10.79 mm

 

Ancient banded agate bead.

Ancient Bhaisajyaguru dZi (banded agate).

Tibetan women in Darjeeling (1920s or 1930s)

A newly created Chung dZi of unsual quality. 34.81 mm x 12.47 mm

 Tibetan pilgrim (1920s).

Ancient three eyed dZi bead.

Tibetan woman (Darjeeling) c 1910 to 1920s.

 

Very old rosewood mala with ivory and conch (chank shell) guru bead.

 Ancient banded agates.

Ancient decorated agate bead with lotus design.

Ancient Tasso dZi 17.71 mm length x 13.29 mm

Ancient four striped decorated agate beads (Sourced in Nepal).

A pair of ancient damaged three eyed dZi beads.

Ancient Chung or Chong dZi.

Ancient carnelian Longevity beads.

Ancient stone bead with bands of translucent quartz. The opaque milky white stripes are the base colour of the stone. They are not to be confused with the decorated stripes we find on other stone beads.

Ancient decorated carnelian beads.

Ancient quartz and carnelian eye bead.