Sets of 5 powderglass imitations of Venetian trade beads called "King Beads" in the African trade.
The two halves of the bicone and made separately in conical molds, then wide ends are fused together
The surface design consists of unique mixture of very finely powdered glass combined with a ceramic pigment and water. I think the beads are then briefly heated again to fuse the substance to the base. In any case I haven't been able to chip any of it off.
These beads have a particularly smooth finish, which is achieved by grinding them on an abrasive wheel, then polishing them. A huge amount of work. I was told in Tucson that it's considered to be too much work and these aren't being made anymore. I stocked up on several colors I hope you will enjoy
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