Burmese Brass Strand of Beads

A loose horseshoe of tiny ribbed barrels, finished with a few glossy brown beads.

This strand of beads is from Burma. It is brass. Brass beads in a strand are often graded or mixed by size, so the rhythm of the strand is as much a part of the piece as the beads. Small coiled, barrel-shaped beads in reddish brown curve into a loose loop. At one end sit round, smooth beads in glossy chestnut and a few paler worn ones. The surfaces are rough and tarnished.

Small, scruffy and quietly pleased with itself.