Ancient Cinnabar Protodzi: Fire-formed Agate

• This extraordinary ancient agate bead comes directly from the personal collection of DharmaShop founder Sander Cohen, sourced from a trusted Tibetan bead and artifact collector that he's worked with for over a decade.
• The collector originally acquired this bead in Burma in the 1970's and believes it to be a rare example of what he calls a "protodzi." This term is one he uses to describe ancient agates that were dyed and fired in early attempts to create Dzi beads, but that developed in unexpected ways.
• These pieces reflect the beautiful unpredictability of early bead-making, where heat, minerals, and intention interacted in ways even artisans couldn't control. This bead is a striking example of that transformation. In all our years of collecting, we've never encountered a bead like this — it's cinnabar-rich coloration and surface details are truly so unique.

A one-of-a-kind ancient bead, perfected by chance, it features stunningly warm natural hues accented by genuine cinnabar — a rare, deep red mineral that speaks to it's ancient origins and mystical qualities. The surface has a crackled patina created when centuries-old firing reacted with the natural stone.

This bead represents a rare moment in ancient craftsmanship — a piece shaped by human hands and transformed by fire into something entirely its own. It's an ideal collectible for someone who appreciates artifacts with real history, character, and a story that can't be replicated.

This bead is pictured on an adjustable sterling silver chain but can also be strung on vegan leather cord, or on a mala necklace or bracelet using materials seen on our website. Feel free to contact us about our options!

Size:

~18mm x 13mm. Adjustable sterling silver necklace measures ~22" around and can be tightened as desired.