Discover a rare and exquisite Islamic-period Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, originating from Fustat, Egypt (Cairo) and dating back to circa 1100-1200 AD. This bead represents the mastery of ancient Middle Eastern glassmaking, a craft that flourished in the medieval Islamic world.
Bead Details
Size: 8 mm x 6 mm
Condition: Excellent
Historical Significance & Craftsmanship
Fustat, the first capital of Islamic Egypt, was a thriving hub of glass production. Mosaic beads like this were crafted using a sophisticated glassmaking technique where colorful glass rods were fused, stretched, and sliced into patterned segments before being shaped into beads. These beads were highly valued in the medieval trade networks, reaching markets in Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
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