Coloured enamel bead, Warring States Period

A vitreous-paste bead with blue and white enamel. It is oval, pierced by a large central hole, and decorated with small circles that form a succession of flowers. A patina produced by the natural passage of time is visible. 

This type of coloured glaze, known as ‘琉璃’ (Liúlí) in Chinese and ‘coloured polish’ in English.  It is the ancient Chinese name for a type of gemstone and ancient jewellery found in ancient tombs.

The main component of the surface enamel was lead-barium glass, and it cannot be used to make everyday utensils because of toxicity. In ancient China, the materials were obtained from by-products produced during the casting of bronze vessels, which were refined and processed. The form was introduced via the Silk Road and was collected by many wealthy and distinguished families.   

Coloured enamel is one of the five precious materials of China (gold, silver, jade, coloured enamel, ceramics and bronze) and one of the ‘Seven Treasures of Buddhism’. It is a spiritual object that can eliminate diseases and ward off evil spirits. Many colours were used, more than thirty, among them (white, sky blue, sapphire blue, peacock blue, chicken fat yellow...) and the ancients also called it ‘five-coloured stone’. Because they were difficult to obtain, the stones were considered more precious than jade. 

It is essential to observe in this piece the magnificence of the deposited history, which travels through time and space, preserving its indelible colour and representing a contained wealth. In June 2008, the Chinese ‘State Council’ and ‘Ministry of Culture’ selected this technique among other ‘national intangible cultural products’. Combatant kingdoms period (403–222 BC) or later. 

Height: 2.7 cm; Diameter: 2.5 cm 

Weight: 24 g