Two authentic composite eye beads made during the Warring States Period, circa 481 to 221 BC. The composite type of Warring States bead is made with a thin layer of glass overlaid on a clay or ceramic material core. The bead with a blue base and a darker blue S design, is much more unusual, being found, in comparison to the brown based beads, at a ratio approximately of 1 to 20, so it is definitely worth collecting.

Provenance: ex. Maklaiheung Gallery

Dimensions: brown - width, 16mm; height, 11 mm; blue - width, 16 mm; height, 15 mm.

Condition: There is substantial wear to both beads. The brown bead has losses to the core and the glaze at both ends; nevertheless, the remaining glazed surface is glossy and retains its vivid colours. The blue bead, while intact, has lost most of its original gloss.