raku heishi bead and collection Northern Lights

Description

I've only seen the Northern Lights two or three times in my life. They're elusive. When I saw them they looked like giant banners in the night time sky being blown by a gentle breeze....like God hung out His laundry to dry. They can be different colors and almost seem iridescent sometimes.

This collection includes:

34 raku heishis. They are about 2-5mm thick and is about 14-15mm across. The hole for stringing is about 2-2.5mm. they are made with porcelain clay.

6 larger raku beads: 3 long, about 26mm long x 10mm wide with a 2mm hole for stringing, and three shorter beads about 11-13mm tall x 12-13mm wide with a 2mm hole for stringing. The large beads are irregular.

3 tear shaped charoite or amethyst with matrix. I don't hink they're sugilite. I can't remember what these stone beads are, but they combine well with this set. They are about 18mm long with a 1.5mm hole for stringing.

3 large faceted fluorite beads that have some inclusions. They are otherwise transparent. They are about 18-22mm long x 18mm wide with about a 2mm hole for stringing

2 blue faceted, round AB/peacock czech glass beads that measure 12mm and have a bout a 2mm hole for stringing. I'm not sure if these are vintage, but they might be some of the facets are slightly chipped.

The raku process produces surface irregularities and can produce small chips and crazing. Raku produces soot most of which can be washed off, but some remains. I have washed and filed areas that were too rough. The black coloration is absorbed into the surface of the bead and ranges in color from black to light gray. All clay beads are breakable.

These are new beads and two may be vintage.

Added on Nov 02, 2009