Beautiful Banded Folded Glass Trade Bead – 1200 AD
Discover the beauty of this rare Islamic period banded folded glass trade bead, crafted in the ancient city of Fustat, Egypt, around 1100 - 1200 AD. This exquisite piece showcases the remarkable glass artistry of medieval Islamic beadmakers.
Bead Specifications:
Size: 11 mm X 10 mm
Material: Ancient folded glass
Origin: Fustat (Old Cairo), Egypt
Condition:
Excellent condition for its age
Minimal surface wear with an intact structure
History & Significance:
Fustat, the first capital of Islamic Egypt, was a center for fine glassmaking and trade. Ancient artisans perfected the technique of folded glass, layering molten glass into intricate banded patterns. These beads were widely used in trade and traveled across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond, making them highly sought after by collectors and historians.
Owning a bead from this era is like holding a piece of history—each bead tells the story of cultural exchange, craftsmanship, and medieval trade routes.
