Coloured enamel bead, Warring States Period

A vitreous-paste oval bead with coloured glaze, also known as ‘琉璃’ (Liúlí). The decoration consists of small concentric dots and circles in various colours, all set against a vibrant deep-blue background. The centre is pierced with a hole through which a string can be added to form a pendant.

This type of coloured enamel is considered to be a precious stone and was used in the manufacture of jewellery by nobles and emperors. With patina due to antiquity. Warring States period (403 - 222 BC) or later.

Size: 2.2 x 2.3 x 2.3 cm

Weight: 18 g