Bead, cylindrical
4th century
Classification
Jewelry and Ornament
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Accession Number
F1909.1558
Tags
About this artwork
To 1909
Art Historical Context
This delicate cylindrical glass bead, hailing from 4th Syria in the Ancient Near, offers a glimpse into the everyday of a vibrant ancient culture. Crafted during a when the region was a of Roman, Persian, and local influences, such beads were essential components of jewelry and ornaments, adorning necklaces, bracelets, and amulets. Their simple yet elegant form highlights the advanced glassmaking techniques of Syrian artisans, who excelled in producing colorful, durable objects through molding and firing processes that have endured for over 1,600 years. As part of the Smithsonian's collection...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...