Blue and white agate ‘Dzi’ pendant, Tang dynasty

An antique blue and white agate bead, carved in the shape of an elongated pod, with rounded edges and a hole through the centre, threaded with a braided cord at the back. This type of object was used as part of traditional Buddhist ornaments and ornaments. It shows widespread patina caused by the passage of time. Tang Dynasty (618-906) or later. 

Height: 4.8 cm, diameter: 1.1 cm