8613

Enquiry about object: 8613

    Your First Name (required)

    Your Last Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Your Country (required)

    Your Message

    Tibetan Pema Raka Agate Dorje Pendant

    Tibet
    circa 13th-15th century

    length: 4.8cm, width: 1.8cm, weight: 19g

    Sold

    Provenance

    private collection, England

    – scroll down to see further images –

    This very unusual pendant, perhaps meant to be part of a ritual mala bead necklace, has been carved from a single piece of orange carnelian. It is in the form of a dorje or thunderbolt motif.

    Carnelian or orange-coloured agate was known to the Tibetans as pema raka, and was among the prized materials for beads similar to carved agate dzi beads.

    The rounded end of the pendant relates to the well-known pumpkin beads produced in India for the surrounding markets.

    The centre has been drilled with a hole to allow cord to be attached (old cord remains attached.)

    The item is in excellent condition.

    References

    Beer, R., The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs, Serindia, 2004.

    Liu, R.K., A Universal Aesthetic: Collectible Beads, Ornament, Inc, 1995.

    Dozens of items are added to our website each month. Be among the first to know about them.
     
    Sign up to our monthly catalogue