Antique "Eye" Fancy Venetian Lampwork Glass Trade Beads - Rare & Old

Presenting five beautiful and rare "Eye" Fancy Venetian wound glass trade beads with exquisite trail decoration. These antique beads are a remarkable example of the intricate craftsmanship from Venice, Italy, used in the African trade during the late 1800s to early 1900s.

• Size: 10 mm x 7 mm
• Condition: Excellent (minor decoration loss, see photos)

These beads, known as lampwork beads or wound glass beads, were meticulously handcrafted using a technique where glass rods are wound around a mandrel, then decorated with trails of colored glass. This method, perfected in Venice, produces beads of stunning beauty and complexity.

Venetian trade beads played a crucial role in the exchange of goods and culture in Ghana and across Africa. They were often used as currency and held significant value in African societies, symbolizing wealth and status.

Explore more of our exquisite collections:

• Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Venetian Lampwork Beads Archive