A photograph of the
original piece I used as my inspiration can be seen on page 48 in The
History of Beads by Lois Sherr Dubin.
copyright 2000, 2001,
Jhan A. Knebel
rixende@timelessbeads.com
Eye
Bead
Phoenician Glass Bead
400-200 BC
About the Piece
This piece was done as a study. Since the original bead is very complex with multiple dots and latticino stringers, I decided to begin experimenting with the technique by simplifying the final bead, and using high contrast colors.
Production Method
This style of bead is produced by using a hot-head torch and MAPP gas. First a latticino stringer of blue and black was pulled and set aside for future use. The opaque yellow glass is then heated in the flame until molten and applied to a stainless steel mandrel coated in bead release (slip.)
The first layer of glass is applied to the mandrel and shaped into a barrel using a graphite marvering paddle. The latticino stringer is then applied to both ends of the beads. Dots of black opaque and light blue opaque glass are applied to the surface of the bead with the same technique as used for simple eye beads. These dots are melted into the surface enough to ensure adhesion to the glass, but are left raised as shown on the period examples. Special care is taken to ensure that the latticino stringers do not melt into the glass completely.
The beads are placed in a fiber blanket for cooling. They will be annealed once I either purchase or gain access to a kiln. I am pleased with the resulting bead.
I have begun experimenting with reproducing this bead, but have found pulling the correctly patterned latticino stringers a daunting task. In period, a kiln powered by a wood fire and bellows was used. However, I have not had the location available to build a period kiln.
Resources
Dubin, Lois Sherr. The History of Beads. New York: Harry N Abrams; 1987