This study begins with an examination of the development of crystal beads (among mineral beads) within the Korean Peninsula. An analysis of the actual data and plate data is then undertaken in order to review the manufacturing methods and technologies of crystal beads excavated from the Korean Peninsula, the Japanese Archipelago, and Southeast Asia.
Accessories made from minerals characteristically go through a process in which surfaces are ultimately polished to be smooth, so traces of manufacturing methods are unlikely to be found. Nevertheless, the perforated areas that allow for threading can be examined to deduce different characteristics. The form and surface characteristics of perforated parts differ according to the material of the perforation tools used and the abrasive used to increase friction.
Examination of the crystal beads from the Korean Peninsula, the Japanese Archipelago, and Southeast Asia (with focus placed on the above characteristics) reveals that the crystal beads of the Pyeongyang area, which corresponds to Nangnang, have morphological and technical characteristics that are similar to those produced in Southeast Asia. In the case of the southeastern areas of the Korean Peninsula, corresponding to Jinhan and Byeonhan, diachronic changes in manufacturing technologies can be observed, and in the case of some of the crystal beads of the Wooden Chamber Tomb stage, characteristics that are similar to crystal beads produced in the Japanese Archipelago from the late Yayoi Period to its end have been observed. However, crystal beads excavated from Wooden Chamber Tomb stage sites throughout the entire Korean Peninsula (corresponding to Mahan, Jinhan, Byeonhan) have morphological and technical characteristics that are completely different from crystal beads from Southeast Asia or the Japanese Archipelago.
In sum, crystal beads from the Nangnang region are assumed to have been produced in and brought from Southeast Asia, and some of the crystal beads in the form of abacus beads from the Sara-ri Tomb No. 130 may have been produced in and brought from the Japanese Archipelago. Crystal beads later identified from Samhan sites of the Wooden Chamber Tomb stage display morphological and technical characteristics that are completely different from previous examples so there is a large possibility that they were produced on the Korean Peninsula.