A rare Egyptian Glass Eye Bead Pendant, Amarna Period, ca. 1352 - 1336 BCE

This tiny yet striking eye bead belongs to a rare group of 18th Dynasty glass ornaments that drew particular interest from Flinders Petrie, who closely studied ancient Egyptian glass production. Although Petrie recovered a substantial quantity of glass from his excavations, fewer than nine percent were the distinctive miniature eye beads. Their rarity and consistent iconography make them an especially compelling category of personal adornment.

The bead was formed by impressing the eye motif onto a flattened section of the rounded glass body. Examples in the Petrie Museum follow a standardized sequence of applied colors. Many are rendered in red, white, and blue on a white base; this example follows a less common but documented variant with a yellow matrix, black pupil, and white ring. The repetition of these combinations suggests deliberate meaning for the Egyptians, likely tied to protective symbolism.

For related examples, see Petrie Museum UC51655, UC51171, and UC51185.
Reference: Xia Nai, Ancient Egyptian Beads. Beijing: Science Press, 1978, p. 154, GD34–35.

Medium: glass, white gold

Dimensions: Length: 0.8 cm

Condition: Intact and in excellent condition overall. Presented on a modern 18K white gold chain that can be adjusted up to 18 inches.  Note:  A yellow gold chain can be substituted on request.

Provenance: Private French collection, acquired before 1960.  Thereafter private Boston collection.

QUESTIONS? Just click the Contact Us tab on your right.