These may be called: micro "Meiji Era beads" …

We know they are not Edo Era beads because only functional accessories to clothing were allowed as jewelry substitutes under sumptuary laws enforced in Japan during the Edo Era.

This is why we do not see antique Japanese earrings, finger rings, bracelets, necklaces, and beads from Japan prior to 1868. Only kansashi, obidome and ojime beads were made during the Edo Era because they circumvented the law by being utilitarian; thus the rising merchant class wearer could show off his status and taste anyway.

When sumptuary laws were lifted, trade with other countries was allowed and glass bead makers could make necklaces for foreign and domestic use. Most of these necklaces went to Great Britain. Highly sought after, today these beads quickly change hands from seller to buyer in the antiques markets of England.

A couple of weeks ago, I bought this one from a dealer about sixty miles outside of London. I feel fortunate to have the whole necklace intact. Because one strand singly would look weak as a fashion piece. However, individually, each bead looks very nice under a microscope. The Japanese often prioritize precision.

Truely among the nicest necklaces with glass-beads I have seen!

MAGNIFIDENT!

Hang on. Wait. Do you mean you bought this three-strand piece as it now stands? You did not make it? This is a gorgeous necklace, just heart-stopping. Please elaborate.

I have not rearranged the beads at all. The three individual strands came from the same person at the same time.

I believe they were originally intended to be worn together. And, I suspect they survived the 1920's when necklaces of tiny beads like this one would have been updated into a long single flapper strand.

This is the first time I have seen such a large number of so called "Edo Beads." And this is the first time I have ever seen small sized Edo Beads.

These are an awesome find! I Love them! Small beads always grab my attention. I wear beads every day. And during my work day, I don't need big ol' honkin' beads getting in my way, or being a distraction to the work I do. I obviously wear beads more for myself (so selfish!) than for anyone else.....and small ones are perfect for any time, any day! :)

I've been thinking about latticino technique on beads recently. I own very few examples.

These are wonderful! Is there a Japanese word for the technique?

Literally translated: "Glass of abduction area."

I used Google translate and this is what came up.

That is what I found the first time I tried. But with reverse translation, RAKUSEIHIN means milk product or wood product or easy product. We need to ask one of the Japanese contemporary glass beadmakers…

Years ago and from time to time, usage of the word "Latticino" (instead of the correct term "Filigrana") has been a point of contention among glass bead historians. Latticino won. Filigrana was abandoned.

From recent research, I find that the term "Edo Glass," referring to Antique Japanese glass beads with latticino and other fancy lamp work canes, has become widely accepted by bead collectors. There are many terms commonly used in the bead world which are being used incorrectly. And, until a bead dictionary is published, we will not have a common point of reference.

Meanwhile, if I say "Latticino" you know what I am talking about. If I say "Edo Beads" you know what I am talking about. And, when called upon to teach, I will tell people: "Except for ojime, so called 'Edo beads' were made during the Meiji Era."

Hi Frederick,

I am sorry.

I think American or European lampworker call Latticino cane that type.
Japanese call twisted cane or lace cane that type decoration.
I tried looking into that, but I didn't know.
I don't know what to call in Japanese language of Edo-period.　If I was say it SUJI-DAMA.
Suji means stripe.
Usually, We Japanese lampworker call lace cane. We have no special word in Japanese.

regards,

MIKI

Mind blowing really...