bead

Object NameHorned Eye Bead

Made FromGlass

Dateprobably 399-300 BCE

TechniqueFormed on a rod, trail-decorated

SizeOverall H: 2.6 cm, Diam (max): 2.9 cm; Bore Diam: 0.9 cm

Accession Number68.6.3

Curatorial Area(s)

Ancient

Exhibitions

Curiosities of Glassmaking

Past | Present: Expanding the Stories of Glass

Life on a String: 35 Centuries of the Glass Bead

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

蜻蜓眼玻璃珠 This bead, with its superimposed layers of glass, gives the appearance of eyes looking back at you. Eye beads were worn as protective amulets and originated in the Mediterranean. Traders transported them eastward, and their design influenced bead production in other regions. Chemical analysis indicates that these beads were made in China because of their high amounts of lead and barium. The protruding horns and the geometric star pattern demonstrate the creativity and skill of Chinese beadmakers.

Place Made

China

Physical DescriptionHorned Eye Bead. Translucent dark blue glass, now gray on surface; formed on a rod, trail-decorated. Tubular shape with high stratified protuberances; central band of five medallions of seven "eyes" each, the uppermost layers in alternating blue and yellow glasses, each of two of these interspersed with two small stratified "eyes"; above and below, five projecting stratified "eyes" of eight layers each, showing as rings of opaque white, pale yellow and dark blue, with top (blue) layer exposed entirely; these projections interspersed with pairs of small "eyes" of opaque white and blue layers; bore, clear cut and straight walled; bore ends level.
Provenance

Provenance Remark

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