A Pair of Warring States Eye Beads, Ancient Chinese Glass Beads (5th–3rd century BCE)

拍品描述

Dimensions: H. 1.9 cm and 1.4 cm (approx. 0.75 and 0.55 in), total weight 28 g (approx. 0.99 oz), Warring States Period (5th–3rd century BCE)，Condition & Provenance: Overall well preserved. Both beads retain their original forms with clear central perforations, thick openings, naturally accumulated soil deposits inside the holes, and smooth aged wear from long-term use. The surfaces display a natural weathered patina with areas of mineral alteration and aging to the applied glass colors. Provenance: Private Collection, New York, USA.Description: Warring States period eye beads were important ornaments used by elite members of ancient China’s pre-Qin society and represent the advanced craftsmanship of early Chinese glass production. This pair presents two distinctive forms and decorative styles. One bead features a square drum-shaped body made of deep blue glass, decorated with raised composite eye motifs, green circular borders, yellow centers, and smaller auxiliary eyes between the main patterns, creating a strong three-dimensional relief effect and a richly balanced design. The second bead has a flattened drum-shaped, abacus-like form, completely covered with dense scale-like eye motifs, featuring purple-blue centers against a warm beige patterned ground, with a highly organized and intricate surface decoration. Both beads have central perforations with substantial channels, naturally accumulated burial deposits, and smoothly worn openings. After centuries underground, the beads developed natural weathered surfaces, with areas of mineral erosion and aging to the applied colors. Combining a large raised-eye design and a finely scaled-eye design, this rare pair represents two classic styles of Warring States glass beads and holds strong appeal for collectors and researchers of ancient Chinese glass.

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