Tibetan Malakara (Necklace) with Dzi Beads
Decorative Art / Jewelry - Hanging Silk-Strung Necklace • Tibetan or Himalayan Himalayan Craftsmanship; Unknown Artisan
Style & Movement
Himalayan Buddhist Art / Tibetan Folk Ornament
Medium & Technique
Natural turquoise heishi beads, etched agate (Dzi beads), coral spacers, filigree brass/gilt-metal guru bead, and silk cord
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (re-strung for contemporary display)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24-28 inches in total length; displayed in a vertical shadow-box frame
Subject Description
A traditional Buddhist prayer necklace or mala repurposed as a decorative ornament. It features turquoise symbolizing the sky and earth, red coral representing vital energy, and 'Dzi' beads which are highly sought-after talismans in Tibetan culture believed to provide spiritual protection and good fortune. The composition is symmetrical with a central pendant (guru bead) cluster.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good - The beads show natural patina and slight surface variations indicative of age and authentic material use
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 - $2,500 USD (highly dependent on the authenticity and age of the Dzi beads)
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a Himalayan trade region or specialized ethnographic gallery; presented in a modern professional archival shadow box
Art Historical Significance
Represents the intersection of religious devotion and personal adornment in Tibetan culture. Dzi beads are significant archaeological and cultural artifacts within the Himalayan region, often passed down through generations as family heirlooms.
Notable Features
Includes several 'three-eyed' Dzi beads and a high-quality turquoise tube pendant; the presentation in a shadow box highlights its transition from a functional ritual object to a fine art artifact
Condition Issues
Natural micro-fractures in turquoise (typical for the mineral), minor tarnishing on metal components, and slight fraying of the cord at the pendant junction
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a UV-protected display case; avoid high humidity and direct sunlight which can cause turquoise to shift in color over time