ITEM: Face bead, probably Medusa MATERIAL: Mosaic glass CULTURE: Romano-Egyptian PERIOD: 1st Century B.C - 1st Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 14 mm x 15 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired before 2000s PARALLEL: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession number 52.11.15. Corning Museum of Glass, accession number 62.1.25 The glass mosaic beads were created using a core-forming technique, where small glass pieces were arranged and fused onto a core of molten glass. This method allowed artisans to produce a wide range of patterns and colors, using materials like blue, green, red, yellow, and white glass, which were then molded into bead shapes. Some beads were made using a process known as cane glass, where glass rods were stretched and cut into small pieces to create a mosaic effect. The beads were often cylindrical, spherical, or disc-shaped, with some featuring additional decorative elements, such as gold leaf or inlays of semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli. These beads were then strung together to create necklaces, bracelets, or other forms of jewelry, reflecting the fusion of Roman luxury and Egyptian artistry. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license If you bid outside European Union and win the item, we must request a new export license to your country and the shipment will delay between 3 - 5 weeks.