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Beads Strung on Cord

Asian Art

On View: Asian Galleries, Arts of Japan, 2nd floor
On ceremonial occasions, some of which are still celebrated in Ainu communities, both men and women wear necklaces of imported glass beads and other materials. When not worn, the necklaces are displayed with other family treasures in the home. The glass beads for these necklaces initially came from China and Russia, but eventually a Japanese company started making them specifically for sale to Ainu customers. Many Ainu necklaces have other high-status, imported materials, such as Japanese metalwork (thimbles, sword fittings, and even cabinetry hardware) or coins.
CULTURE Ainu
MEDIUM Glass beads
DATES late 19th – early 20th century
DIMENSIONS 1 9/16 x 49 5/8 in. (4 x 126 cm)  (show scale)
COLLECTIONS Asian Art
ACCESSION NUMBER 12.446
CREDIT LINE Gift of Herman Stutzer
PROVENANCE Prior to 1912, provenance not yet documented; by 1912, acquired by Herman Stutzer of New York; 1912, gift of Herman Stutzer to the Brooklyn Museum.
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EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Asian Galleries, Arts of Japan, 2nd floor
CAPTION Ainu. Beads Strung on Cord, late 19th – early 20th century. Glass beads, 1 9/16 x 49 5/8 in. (4 x 126 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Herman Stutzer, 12.446. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 12.446_PS9.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 12.446_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2014
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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Ainu. <em>Beads Strung on Cord</em>, late 19th – early 20th century. Glass beads, 1 9/16 x 49 5/8 in. (4 x 126 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Herman Stutzer, 12.446. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 12.446_PS9.jpg)