Are they wood or some base, with a colored transfer that imparts a mosaic-glass-like pattern?
Would not surprise me if the ones with the longitudinally applied are actually polymer clay. But, it will remain a guessing game...
I can’t say anything of the inside of these beads from a picture but I think the pattern on the outside is made in a kind of paper marbling technique. Oil paint in different colors is sprinkled on a watersurface. With a toothpick a simple design is drawn on that surface. Then the bead is dipped in the water and the oilpaint design sticks on the bead.
Hello Hans.
There are certainly beads that have marbled-transfer decorations. (I showed some from my trip to Java in 2008—and I have occasionally seen them in a few bead stores.)
But in the present instance, it is clear the designs are based on and are interpretations of actual trade beads. These include millefiori details.
So I am inclined to think they are printed transfers—whatever the base material may be.
Take care. Jamey
as the beads are rather lopsided shapes i suggest that the apparent swirly marbled effect is because they are made -perhaps over a wood base covered with more than one colour of sealing wax which can be slightly viscous. i have some examples in other colours but will have to look for them...
here are a few beads in my collection that are apparently wood covered with swirls of coloured sealing wax (or thick lacquer) - where the layers are cracking you can get an impression of the thickness. i will show some more but may start a new thread...
the style of long necklace with a tassel suggests early 20th C. the small black beads are Czech faceted glass.
