Buddhist ‘Dzi’ faluo bead, Qing dynasty

Bead carved in the shape of a pod, with rounded edges, a subtly thickened centre and a central hole running through it. The ‘Faluo’ or ‘法螺天珠’ is a sedimentary rock containing various elements in its composition such as jade, agate and other crystalline minerals. Its use has connotations of nobility, elegance and power. It has patina and wear due to age. Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) or later. 

Length: 4.9 cm; Largest diameter: 1.6 cm