Spectacular horned eye bead from the Warring States period of ancient China, c. 475 – 221 BC. Made of multilayered blue, black, white and grey glass. Many eye beads of remarkable complexity were made during the Warring States period. This is an exceptional example.
Eye beads were made in many ancient cultures and were believed to counteract a curse brought about by a malevolent glare, usually inspired by envy. Amulets to protect against the evil eye have been found dating to as early as 5,000 years ago.