I photographed this bead in a private collection in Nepal a few years ago. The owner purchased the bead in Bhutan where it was supposedly excavated. The bead is a massive 141 mm x 21 mm. This is the largest dZi that I have ever seen in the flesh. What is strange about this bead is the material. The design also seems to have been painted on the surface using a chemical or sugar treatment and does not carry deep into the bead like most other dZi. What is this stone? I don't think it is agate but it could be. I have handled hundreds of ancient dZi and agate beads but I have never seen another like it. Has anyone seen other beads that use the same method of manufacture?

I'm very interested in your feedback : - )

I was later told that the owner was offered over $50,000 for this bead by a Taiwanese collector. The owner declined.