Ancient Hellenistic to Early Roman Trailed Glass Bead - Circa 2nd century BC – 2nd century AD Culture: Eastern Mediterranean (Hellenistic to Early Roman) Material: Wound glass with applied trailing Weight: 2.83 g Height: 12.5 mm Description: A compact, thick-walled glass bead of slightly irregular cylindrical to globular form, pierced longitudinally. The base glass is very dark—appearing black with subtle aubergine tones—overlaid with applied opaque trails in pale blue to whitish glass forming looping, wave-like motifs around the body. The surface shows strong multicolored iridescence (violet, blue, green) with areas of mineral encrustation and weathering, consistent with prolonged burial. The perforation is uneven and hand-formed, typical of wound bead manufacture. Typological Notes: This example fits within the group of: Wound glass beads with applied trailed decoration Sometimes classified as early forms of “mosaic-style” or “decorated wound beads” Diagnostic features: Dark base glass with contrasting opaque trails Freehand, looping trailed pattern (not symmetrical cane work) Relatively thick walls and small perforation Iridescent patina from ancient burial conditions Comparable specimens are known from: Levantine coastal sites Egyptian contexts Anatolian trade routes Function: Used as a decorative bead in: Necklaces Bracelets Possibly amuletic adornment Condition: Intact and stable Strong, attractive iridescence Surface pitting and burial accretions present No visible modern repairs Provenance: From a European private collection, formed in the late 20th century. A provenance statement and declaration of legal origin can be provided in PDF format upon request. Collector’s Note: The weight (2.83 g) and height (12.5 mm) place this bead within the heavier, more substantial examples of its type, reinforcing its authenticity and hand-crafted origin. The pronounced iridescence and preserved trailing further enhance its desirability.