Coloured enamel bead, Warring States Period

A spherical bead of vitreous paste with enamel layers decorated with shapes that seem to emulate eyes, in dark blue and white. The quality is excellent, although the patina produced by the passage of time has covered part of the decoration and worn away the relief. The upper part is pierced by a vertical hole.

This type of coloured enamel, 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.