Bead and reel is an architectural motif, usually found in sculptures, moldings and numismatics. It consists in a thin line where beadlike elements alternate with cylindrical ones.[1][2] It is found throughout the modern Western world in architectural detail, particularly on Greek/Roman style buildings, wallpaper borders, and interior moulding design. It is often used in combination with the
egg-and-dart motif.[3]
According to art historian
John Boardman, the bead and reels motif was entirely developed in Greece from motifs derived from the turning techniques used for wood and metal, and was first employed in stone sculpture in Greece during the 6th century BC. The motif then spread to
Persia,
Egypt and the Hellenistic world, and as far as
India, where it can be found on the
abacus part of some of the
Pillars of Ashoka or the
Pataliputra capital. [4] Bead and reel motifs can be found abundantly in Greek and Hellenistic sculpture and on the border of Hellenistic coins.
Gallery
Ancient Greek bead and reel on the base of a
capital from the ruins of the Temple of Apollo at
Didyma,
Turkey, unknown architect or sculptor,
c.300-150 BC[5]
Bead and reel at the base of the capital of a
Pillar of Ashoka, in
Vaishali, India, unknown architect or sculptor, 3rd century BC
Ancient Greek
Ionic capital with bead and reel, from the Temple of Artemis Leukophryene at Magnesia on the Maeander, 2nd century BC, unknown type of stone,
Pergamon Museum,
Berlin
Islamic bead and reel on a cornice, circa 705-715, limestone, Pergamon Museum