Bead
1550-1196 BCE
Classification
Jewelry and Ornament
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Accession Number
F1909.1369
Tags
About this artwork
To 1909
Art Historical Context
This unassuming yet exquisite glass bead transports us to ancient Egypt's New Kingdom (ca. 1550–1196 BCE), an of monumental achievements under pharaohs like Hatshepsut and Ramses II. Dating to this dynamic period, the bead exemplifies everyday artistry from a civilization renowned for its innovation in materials and craftsmanship. Produced during the height of Egyptian glassmaking—introduced around 1500 BCEsuch beads were molded or shaped from vibrant, colorful glass rods, showcasing advanced techniques like core-forming or winding for precision and durability. In ancient Egyptian culture, gl...
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...