Collection
/
Asian Art

String of Beads

Beads 5th century; pendant 3rd century

Object Label

The dark blue and brown beads of this necklace most likely date to the fifth century. However, the large rock crystal in the center is earlier, probably dating to the third century in the pre–Three Kingdoms period. Such an extraordinary necklace would have indicated the high rank and status of the wearer.

Caption

String of Beads, Beads 5th century; pendant 3rd century. Glass and rock crystal, Smallest bead: 3/8 x 5/16 x 1/8 in. (0.9 x 0.8 x 0.3 cm) Largest bead: 1 x 1 7/8 x 5/16 in. (2.5 x 4.7 x 0.8 cm) String length: 12 3/4 in. (32.4 cm) Beads diameter: 1/2 in. (1.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Beatrice Rothbard, 1992.29.1.

Collection

Asian Art

Title

String of Beads

Date

Beads 5th century; pendant 3rd century

Period

Three Kingdoms Period and possibly earlier

Medium

Glass and rock crystal

Classification

Jewelry

Dimensions

Smallest bead: 3/8 x 5/16 x 1/8 in. (0.9 x 0.8 x 0.3 cm) Largest bead: 1 x 1 7/8 x 5/16 in. (2.5 x 4.7 x 0.8 cm) String length: 12 3/4 in. (32.4 cm) Beads diameter: 1/2 in. (1.3 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Beatrice Rothbard

Accession Number

1992.29.1

Frequent Art Questions

  • Any fun details about this necklace? What’s its story?

    That is one of the oldest objects in our Korean galleries!
    The beads are made from colored class but the faceted pendant is rock crystal and predates the beads by about 200 years.
    Wow that’s awesome!

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