I LOVE these beads.....they just really speak to me. Love Love Love them!!! Lynne

http://beadcollector.net/cgi-bin/anyboard.cgi?fvp=%2Fopenforum%2F&tK=boshan&wT=1&yVz=yTz&aO=1&hIz=3000&hJz=0&cmd=find&by=&xcfgfs=tK-wT-yVz-aO-hKz

I just re-read one of Jamey's early posts about the Boshan industry.
Boshan is in Shandong province, which during the early part of the 20th century was a German "protectorate." Hence Tsingtao beer. But they also established glass factories to do European-style glasswork.

1937 is the date Japan invaded and occupied. Jamey stated that the Boshan glassworks were diverted to make beads in the Japanese style, only cheaper.

So 1937-1945 seems a likely date for these Boshan beads.

LATER, back from a Wikipedia trawl:

As a consequence of the First World War, Germany lost Qingdao and its sphere of influence in Shandong. The Treaty of Versailles transferred the German concessions in Shandong to Japan instead of restoring Chinese sovereignty over the area. Popular dissatisfaction with this outcome of the Treaty of Versailles (Shandong Problem) led to the May Fourth Movement. Finally, Shandong reverted to Chinese control in 1922 after mediation by the United States during the Washington Naval Conference. Weihai followed in 1930.

The return of control over Shandong fell into the Warlord era of the Republic of China. Shandong was handed over to the Zhili clique of warlords, but after the Second Zhili-Fengtian War of 1924, the Manchuria-based Fengtian clique took over. In April 1925, the Fengtian clique installed the warlord Zhang Zongchang, nicknamed the "Dogmeat General", as military governor of Shandong Province. Time dubbed him China's "basest warlord".[7] He ruled over the province until 1928, when he was ousted in the wake of the Northern Expedition. He was succeeded by Han Fuju, who was loyal to the warlord Feng Yuxiang but later switched his allegiance to the Nanjing government headed by Chiang Kai-Shek. Han Fuju also ousted the warlord Liu Zhennian, nicknamed the "King of Shandong East", who ruled eastern Shandong Province, hence unifying the province under his rule.

In 1937 Japan began its invasion of China proper in the Second Sino-Japanese War, which would eventually become part of the Pacific theatre of the Second World War. Han Fuju was made Deputy Commander in Chief of the 5th War Area and put in charge defending the lower Yellow River valley. However, he abandoned his base in Jinan when the Japanese crossed the Yellow River. He was executed for not following orders shortly thereafter.

Can't wait to read all of this. Thanks so much!!! Lynne

The relevant passage from Asia's Maritime Bead Trade

http://books.google.com/books?id=zzZBdGQN_TIC&pg=PA61&lpg=PA61&dq=boshan+japan+glass&source=bl&ots=e_WrWBocbN&sig=0VOVm6zLgsfrnZYkfLgC9YcUEKk&hl=en&sa=X&ei=lz6BVI-kN5H0igKm7YGACw&ved=0CD0Q6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=boshan%20japan%20glass&f=false

Peter Francis's research on the Boshan glass industry is significant and important information. --Well worth reading.

Just Fred

http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/15Traditions13930.html

Thanks for showing them! I only have 3 of those.

...they sure look like chrysanthemums.

I bought the beaded curtain in Stefany's shop on Portobello Road in the late 70's or early 80's. I remember clearly that it was coiled in a corner at the back of the store. Stefany was not there that day. And I had to carry it on the airplane in a garment bag because it was too awkward to pack and ship at the last minute or include with my luggage. I have collected five more in Beijing during the past ten years. And I'm always pleased to hear compliments about two curtains which are hanging in my home.

Bead coloration study on Black Sand Beach, Kona Coast, Hawaii: images made at 6:59AM sunrise, and 5:51PM sunset. December 10, 2014.

Hi Fred, these pictures give a good idea of the effects of different lighting on bead coloration, your photos also show the subtle and bold differences in design elements of similar appearing beads. Thank you

Are they of a pure black or deep blue? Thanks.

They are the darkest, deepest black. No hint of blue.