Glass eye bead

ca. 1st century CE
Not on view
Uncertain color, appearing black; eyes in opaque white and translucent purple.
Slightly compressed spherical body with uneven edges around vertical hole.
Six eyes placed irregularly around body, five with solid central dot, one with fine circle around smaller dot.
Intact; dulling and creamy weathering, with slight iridescence.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Glass eye bead
  • Period: Early Imperial
  • Date: ca. 1st century CE
  • Culture: Roman (?)
  • Medium: Glass; rod-formed
  • Dimensions: 7/16 x 1 1/16in. (1.1 x 2.7cm)
  • Classification: Glass
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.341
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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