Ancient / Antique Javanese Trade Beads- Millefiori Eye and Indo-Pacific Bead Pendant

Cache Antiques is introducing an exciting new chapter in our range of antique jewellery, featuring antique trade beads with bespoke settings by our artisans in Java. The history of beads is extensive, dating back to Neolithic times. 

This particular series showcases antique Indonesian eye beads produced using the millefiori method, which was created and improved upon during the Hellenistic to Roman period. Eye beads were believed in many ancient cultures to be a powerful symbol of protection that would ward off the evil eye. From the Islamic Period onwards, when trade beads began to enter Central and Southeast Asia in increasing numbers (600AD), these evil eye beads were highly treasured as powerful amulets. 

Eye beads of this type have been found which date to 1500 BC, and they were produced approximately up to the fourteenth century; these can be estimated to be produced circa 1000 to 1400 AD. It should be noted that scientific analysis of beads recovered from 10th century shipwrecks indicate that two major glass production centres in the medieval world were West Asia and South Asia. The beads are ancient and their condition is remarkable considering nature of material and age; as each bead is unique, please refer to pictures for description.

These smaller beads were first termed “trade wind beads”, but are now referred to as “Indo-Pacific Monochrome Drawn Glass Beads”, or Indo-Pacific beads for short. Made between 500 to 200 BC, these beads were used to trade from India to Africa and served as valuable currency. They come in a wide variety of colours and often display wound or drawn glass characteristics as well as a patina from millennia of use and wear.

This particular listing is for a pendant featuring a turquoise millefiori eye beads with white and cobalt details, as well as two Indo-Pacific beads. The top bead features four millefiori eyes, and showcase unique hand-rolled characteristics to each segment. They are set in sterling silver, including modern spacer beads which help protect the bead’s integrity, and it is marked 925 on the bail. 

Price marked at $300AUD.

Measurements: Eye bead is ovoid in form and approximately measure 1.5 by 1.4cm. Indo-Pacific beads approx 0.7cm by 1cm. Total pendant length approx. 5.2cm.

Good antique condition. Patina and fleabites to glass commensurate with age, but bead integrity otherwise very good.