Lot 164: A TRIO OF MARVERED GLASS GAMING PIECES, AYYUBID OR MAMLUK, 12TH-13TH CENTURY

Each bead is constructed from a dark translucent or opaque base glass, potentially cobalt blue or black, and features applied opaque white trailed decoration in horizontal, wavy, and spiral patterns. The beads are spherical to barrel-shaped, a form that bears a contextual resemblance to the abstracted silhouettes often found in early gaming counters or chess pieces from these regions. The central bead exhibits significant iridescent weathering across the surface, a characteristic result of long-term burial. The flanking beads show a more distinct contrast between the dark body and the white glass decoration. Each bead carries a small, circular white paper collection or inventory label on its underside.

H: 1.8cm