Lot 344
**Originally Listed At $400**
Europe, Italy, possibly Venice; West Africa, probably Nigeria or Mali, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A gorgeous ensemble of dozens of glass trade beads strung onto a pair of modern strands to be wearable as necklaces. The longer necklace is comprised of 12 European millefiori beads, each presenting a tubular form with blue, white, and red circular designs atop dark and light green stripes, as well as 4 West African beads - 2 orb-shaped brass and 2 discoid white shell - and dozens of modern green floral and yellow ellipsoid beads. The larger African brass bead also contains a cylindrical coral bead on its interior. Alternatively, the shorter necklace presents all European glass beads of ovoid forms with floral and striated patterns in hues of forest green, lime green, yellow, pink, white, red, and blue. A vibrant collection, sure to turn heads on any occasion! Size (larger necklace): 19.5" L (49.5 cm); (largest bead): 1.1" L x 0.9" W (2.8 cm x 2.3 cm); (Riker case): 12.3" L x 8.3" W (31.2 cm x 21.1 cm)
To make millefiori beads, artisans produced glass canes or rods, called murrine, by layering different-colored glass around a core. At this stage, their multicolored patterns were only visible from the cut ends of the cane. The rods were heated in a furnace, stretched and thus revealing the patterns throughout, and then cut into beads. Trade beads played a major role in the age of European exploration and colonization, serving as currency on multiple continents.
Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s
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#168472
- Condition: Floral and ovoid beads, as well as both strands are modern, but all other beads are of the period stated. Some nicks and abrasions on most beads, commensurate with age. Otherwise, all are intact, excellent, and wearable. Accompanied by Riker case.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |