"Eye bead" with coloured enamel, Warring States Period

A bead made of vitreous paste with coloured glaze. The shape is spherical, with eye-like points formed by concentric circles and small dots. It shows an excellent quality and patina accumulated over the ages.

The material is known in Chinese as "琉璃" (Liúlí) and "coloured polish" in English. The main component was lead-barium glass which, because of its risk, was used exclusively for decorative objects. The composition was obtained from the by-products of bronze smelting, which were refined and processed. There were more than thirty colours, including white, sky blue, sapphire blue, peacock blue, chicken fat yellow, etc., and the ancients also called it "five-coloured stone". Because they were difficult to obtain, there was talk of stones more precious than jade. 

Similar pieces have been found in burials in many parts of the world. The form was introduced via the Silk Road and is included among China's most precious materials and the 'Seven Treasures of Buddhism'. In addition, the wearer of these is said to be blessed with health and protection from evil spirits. Warring States Period (403 - 222 BC)

References: The British Museum. "Bead" number. 1940,1214.5

Diameter: 5.3–5.5 cm (approx.); Weight: 88 gr

Provenance: Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.-Previous owner of lot: 48, (Imperial white jade "ziqiang buxi" seal, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736 - 1795)) Auctioned: Important Hong Kong Collection, Tommy Lam - Asian Art. 25 October 2023. Darley Auctions.