琉璃珠 (liú lí zhū) literally means 'glazed bead' — a small, round decorative object traditionally made from colored glass or ceramic with a glossy, translucent surface. The character 琉 (liú) and 璃 (lí) together form the compound word 琉璃 (liú lí), meaning 'glazed glass' or 'lapis lazuli-like material', historically associated with vibrant blue-green hues and fine craftsmanship in Chinese art and architecture. 珠 (zhū) means 'bead' or 'pearl', emphasizing its rounded, ornamental form.

Though historically linked to imperial architecture (e.g., glazed tiles on palace roofs), 琉璃珠 today most commonly refers to colorful glass beads used in traditional crafts, children’s toys, jewelry-making, or festive decorations — especially during Lunar New Year or temple fairs. These beads are prized for their shine, clarity, and symbolic association with purity and auspiciousness. They appear in folk tales, poetry, and visual arts as emblems of beauty and fragility.