A Currency of Courage and Status
By the 7th Century CE, the Dzi bead (referred to in Tang Dynasty records as “Sese“) had moved beyond a simple ornament to become a formalized instrument of the state. During the height of the Tubo (Tibetan) Empire, these stones were legally recognized as markers of official rank.
The New Book of Tang (Xin Tang Shu) provides a meticulous account of the Tubo social hierarchy, where the highest-ranking officials were distinguished by the size and quality of the “Sese” beads they wore. This was a meritocratic jewelry system. A Dzi bead was not something one merely bought; it was a testament to one’s service to the Tsenpo (the King) and the state.
The Economic Power of the Silk Road
1,300 years ago, a single high-quality Dzi bead was documented to be worth more than ten fine horses. This staggering valuation reflects the bead’s role as a “hard currency” along the Silk Road. It was portable, durable, and universally recognized for its value from the courts of Chang’an to the valleys of Lhasa.
At Everest Talisman, we interpret the 1,300-year history of the Imperial Era as a lesson in enduring value. We don’t view these pieces through the lens of modern fashion trends, but through the lens of the Silk Road economy—where quality was a matter of survival and identity was etched in stone.
References & Archaeological Citations
Frequently Asked Questions
The "New Book of Tang" (Xin Tang Shu), a historical record of the Tang Dynasty, provides detailed accounts of Tubo officials wearing "Sese" beads.
They were used as insignias of office. Different sizes and qualities of "Sese" corresponded to different levels of the imperial bureaucracy.
According to historical records, a single premium bead could be exchanged for a dozen or more horses, making it a highly liquid asset.
Sese" was the phonetic transcription used by Tang chroniclers to describe the distinctive etched agate and turquoise prized by the Tubo people.
Yes. The Silk Road was the primary conduit for the trade of Dzi beads, allowing them to travel between the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Himalayan plateau.
We emulate the rigorous selection criteria of the 7th-century elites, focusing on the clarity of the etching and the density of the agate.