Ancient Millefiori Cobalt Glass Trade Bead, Javanese Jatim Eye Bead, Swivel Fob 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. 

This particular series showcases antique Indonesian eye beads produced using the millefiori method, which was created during the Hellenistic to Roman period. In particular, we hand-selected the largest, most interesting beads to mount in swivel fob settings, showcasing every facet of these beads to best advantage while preserving their historical integrity.

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.

This particular listing is for a swivel fob pendant featuring an eye bead with white and cobalt details. They were excavated during the 20th century in Java, and the craftsmanship is commensurate with millefiori beads of this period, as is the wear and patina. The protruding eye motifs on the bead indicate the slightly later but still early craftsmanship of artisans circa the Jatim period and later kingdoms. The central bead features two millefiori eyes, and showcases unique hand-rolled characteristics to each segment. The setting is sterling silver and made to measure by our team of artisans, and is marked 925 on the bail. 

Price marked at $440AUD.

Measurements: Eye bead is ovoid in form and approximately measures 1.4cm in diameter. Total pendant height approx. 2.5cm.

Bead is in excellent antique condition. Patina and fleabites to glass commensurate with antiquity of bead, but bead integrity very good.