Javanese Glass Bead Model

Egg-shaped lump in swirled yellow and green looks like a very loud melon.

This glass bead model from Java is Javanese, from East Java, Indonesia, and dates to the 8th or 9th century. Glass beads were traded across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia for many centuries, and Java was one of the places where beads moved through busy ports. Large egg-shaped form with a matte surface, streaked with yellow and dark green swirls that stream in loose flame-like patterns. The top is flattened. A few tiny pits and small marks dot the surface. It is 4.5 inches high and 4.75 in diameter.

It makes no apologies for being this cheerful.