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Dian Nipple Beads
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Posted by: abhaya

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05/21/2015, 21:56:38

I thought I share these with the group. Ensemble of circa 2000-2500 year old agate beads from the Dian civilization from Yunnan, China. A non Han culture that existed prior to the absorbtion of Yunnan into China of this region after the Yuan Dynasty. This type of bead is unique to them and were used in funeral shrouds as well as insets for bronze buckles and mirrors. I have seen ones made from carnelians in books but have never managed to acquire one. Cool neh?

Nice~
Re: Dian Nipple Beads -- abhaya	Post Reply	Edit		Forum	Where am I?

Posted by: Frederick II

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05/25/2015, 15:25:56

Do you happen to have images of these beads used in funeral shrouds as well as insets for bronze buckles and mirrors?

I have seen these for sale in China sold separately and inset into mirrors -all at very high prices.

Just Fred

Modified by Frederick II at Mon, May 25, 2015, 20:32:20

Re: Nice~
Re: Nice~ -- Frederick II	Post Reply	Edit		Forum	Where am I?

Posted by: abhaya

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05/27/2015, 18:06:51

Re: Dian Nipple Beads
Re: Dian Nipple Beads -- abhaya	Post Reply	Edit		Forum	Where am I?

Posted by: Air studios

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05/29/2015, 06:56:11

I collect antique buttons. These beads are made exactly the same way 'whistle' buttons are made, with two holes in back and one in front. If anyone would like to get this 'look' just substitute an antique whistle button for the bead! Although buttons made of agate or stone are fairly rare, Bakelite whistle buttons are ready available.

Re: Re: Dian Nipple Beads/ unmatchable
Re: Re: Dian Nipple Beads -- Air studios	Post Reply	Edit		Forum	Where am I?

Posted by: Air studios

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05/29/2015, 08:45:08

Take that back! Out of all the antique whistle buttons Online only a few have the raised center (nipple) that is so essential to this design. I have art nouveau buttons with this type of raised center and a few ancient shell, , fossil and operculum buttons and beads that come close, but after studying these wonderful beads again I realize it would not be possible to substitute anything for them in a jewelry design compromised entirely of ancient beads... the patina and hand carved stone is so unique... simply unmatchable.

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