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Due to the overall dark color of the bead, to get the correct exposure I had to take the attached photos in the direct sun. I guess they could have turned out worse, but there are bright spots. Background: the bead is approx. 10.5mm in diameter; the perforation about 2mm; the bail and end cap appear to be sterling and hand-worked; the top glaze appears to be lead or similar; the colors (esp. blue and green) are not enhanced, and are as brilliant in person. The bottom portion of the bead is defined by an undulating solid black field; the upper portion field has varying shades of tan-brown with apparent splotches/washes of a darker brown and a brighter yellow color. The yellow I cannot see with the naked eye. This bead came in a set of four, all with matching bails and caps; the other beads are jade (11mm), coral (10mm), and carved cinnabar (13mm). There are six photos: the bead was rotated slightly for each of four shots, and there is a top view and an angled bottom view of the signature area, which is outlined with a black line. At this time the signature is assumed to be that of Japanese ceramist Kenzan Ogata (1663-1743), but the bead is assumed to be probably/possibly much later, in the "Kenzan style". The characters making up the signature are 2-3mm in height. What is known about this bead to date is not of my doing; Thanks and kudos go to Frederick II, Beadiste, and of course Will for their expertise, persistence, and the generous sharing of their time. Thank you! All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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