Open Cage Rectangular Bead

Tumble of cage-like barrel beads, openwork and a little tarnished.

This is an open cage rectangular brass bead. Brass can be cast, hammered or drawn into wire, and its bright gold tone deepens to a brown patina as the surface oxidizes with age and handling. Heaps of cylindrical beads built from parallel ribs and cross bars, leaving open windows through each one. Colors shift between yellow-gold and darker brown, and the edges show scratches and softened wear.

Tiny cages with nothing locked inside.