A large Sasanian Blue Chalcedony Bead, ca. 4th - 5th century CE Jewelry - Beads perforated through the center for

perforated through the center for attachment

Provenance: Collection of Justin Kerr and Dicey Taylor

highlighting the enduring nature of certain traditional serving forms and their ritual significance in central Italy

Trails of contrasting colors were wound onto the small piece and marvered smooth

it would originally have served as the striking head of a mace

A large Sasanian Blue Chalcedony Bead, ca. 4th - 5th century CE Jewelry - Beads perforated through the center forThis unusually large bead is carved from translucent milky blue chalcedony and carefully polished to a luminous finish. Drilled longitudinally for suspension, the bead demonstrates the high level of lapidary craftsmanship achieved in the Sasanian period. Beads of this size and material were likely valued as protective amulets as well as ornaments. A truly lovely example. Parallels: A comparable example is published in The Collection of Patti Birch,