A distinctive vintage glass trade bead necklace associated with the Kalimantan (Borneo) region, featuring a striking arrangement of patterned and coloured glass beads including millefiori-style beads, eye beads, deep navy blue glass beads, pale opaque blue beads and two opaque orange beads.
The glass beads are characteristic of the historic international bead trade, with many such patterned beads produced in Europe, particularly Venice, Italy, and exported throughout global trading networks. These beads were highly valued and incorporated into local jewellery traditions across Southeast Asia, including Borneo.
This necklace represents the intersection of international trade and regional adornment practices, where imported glass beads were transformed into culturally meaningful jewellery. The necklace has been recently re-strung with plaited cord, preserving its wearable form while retaining the character of the original beads.
Details
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Region: Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia
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Date: 20th century
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Type: Trade bead necklace
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Materials: Glass beads and plaited cord
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Bead types: Millefiori-style, eye beads and coloured glass trade beads
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Probable bead origin: European trade beads (possibly Venetian/Italian)
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Condition: Very good vintage condition; recently re-strung
Measurements
A compelling example of historic bead exchange, combining European glassmaking traditions with Southeast Asian adornment practices.
