Ancient Chinese Eye Bead

Product Description: This ancient Chinese eye bead, featuring a reddish-brown faience base with light blue eye decorations, is estimated to have been crafted during the late Warring States period to the Han dynasty.

Specifications:

• Origin: China
• Estimated Production Period: 3rd century BCE to 1st century CE
• Size: Approximately 13mm diameter x 17mm height
• Hole Size: Approximately 5mm
• Special Notes: Images may slightly differ from the actual product due to lighting conditions. The colors may appear brighter in well-lit indoor settings.

Please note that as an antique item, it may have scratches, cracks, or chips.

About Chinese Warring States Beads:

Warring States Beads: "Warring States Beads" refer to glass beads made during the Warring States period, before China was unified by the Qin dynasty, roughly from the 5th to 3rd centuries BCE. The oldest Chinese glass artifacts, dating back to the 11th to 8th centuries BCE, were excavated in Luoyang, Henan Province. However, glass products began to circulate widely during the Warring States period. Early Warring States beads typically featured faience—a type of ceramic base with glass patterns. Later, fully glass beads were also produced. Patterns often included "Seven Star Beads" and "Eye Beads" with spotted designs. Although many glass manufacturing techniques and design elements were influenced by West Asian, particularly Roman glass, the material composition of Chinese glass from this era differs, highlighting the advanced glassmaking skills of ancient China. These beads not only hold historical significance as the beginning of Chinese glass history but are also popular among collectors for their rich designs and colors.