I like these a lot.
James Lankton notes that glazed quartz (I don't think chalcedony) beads have been found at Nishapur in Northeastern Iran in sites that date from C10-12, along with jet, faience and glass. Peter Francis thought the roughly carved panel beads might be quite a bit earlier from Sasanian times when Nishapur first became a major cultural and trading centre.
The later period makes more sense to me, because I think this strange technique of glazing stone evokes the glazed blue and turquoise tiles and other ceramics (vases, dishes, jugs) that Nishapur became famous for in early Islamic times. Here, for instance, is a photo of the mausoleum of the great Persian poet Attar (the perfumer) that dates from C12 also.
Best,
Will
This was sold as a turquoise but I am convinced it is some kind of glazed material. Even if the shade of blue is similar to that on Persian tiles, I was assuming it was Chinese porcelain imitating turquoise, because it was sourced at Ladak -- but the western option would be perhaps more likely.
Any suggestion?
Hi Stephany, this is very similar to a strand I so wanted to buy from the Naomi Lindstrom Collection, but unfortunately could not afford. They were sold, I assume with Jamie's info, as ancient Persian glazed quartz beads/amulets dating to the 12th century CE. I fell in love with them the minute I saw them. She apparently acquired between 1950-1970. Are you the lucky owner of the strand you showed? Lynne
