The heading for this post sounds like some sensational web blast. But take a look at this bead and you will be struck by the resemblance to the famous logo.
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| Round crystal bead with y-shaped perforations |
This flat, round quartz/crystal bead with perforations arranged like a Y, looks like an imitation of Benz logo, or is it the other way round ? Did archaic men have the same ideas as modern logo designers ? Hmmm, is it some time tunnel or thought transference thing that inspired the look-alike :)) Measuring 2.5 cm the translucency also shows off the perforations beautifully.
Purchased in China from one of the numerous road side stalls the ancient authenticity cannot be guaranteed. But here are some signs to consider. The bead is bevelled around the circular sides. Actually I am not sure whether bevelling is a sign of authenticity ! There are well defined ring tool marks in the perforations. Again it is hard to judge between ancient and modern tool marks.
Similar beads can be seen in Sparkling Splendours by Roger Chow p.125-126. and dating them to Warring States period 475-221BC. I have also come across a similar specimen on the net taken from China's Hubei museum which dates it also to Warring States.
However I was disappointed to learn that such beads have also been seen in the Panjiayuan Market scattered among other fakes.
I tried hard to make a unique necklace out of this unique bead but could only come up with this pretty lame piece.
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| unique or lame? - make a vote |
This crystal bead also comes with x-shaped perforations. Again examples of such beads can be seen in Roger Chow's Sparkling Splendours.
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| perforations form the letter x |
I wonder whether there is any special purpose for these x and y shaped perforations. What was the original stringing like ? They could also have been used as cowries.
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| Mystery Beads |
