Tribalgh
Antique Venetian Eye Fancy Lampwork Glass Trade Beads – Rectangular, 1800s
Antique Venetian Eye Fancy Lampwork Glass Trade Beads – Rectangular, 1800s
Four beautiful OLD matching rectangular "EYE" Fancy Venetian wound with trail decoration glass trade beads from the late 1800s to early 1900s. These exquisite beads were handcrafted in Venice, Italy, and hold a unique place in the history of African trade.
- Size: 17-18 mm x 8 mm x 8 mm
- Condition: Excellent condition with few air bubbles (see photos)
These antique Venetian glass beads, featuring eye-like patterns, were used extensively in the African trade, particularly in Ghana and other West African regions. Their bold, trail-decorated designs and vibrant craftsmanship make them a stunning example of the intricate glasswork perfected by Venetian artisans. Each bead was meticulously created using the lampwork technique, where glass is wound around a mandrel and shaped by hand over a flame.
Venetian lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, were prized for their beauty and durability, and were often used as currency and symbols of status during trade in Africa. The "eye" design, considered protective, made them especially desirable in Ghanaian culture, where these beads continue to hold historical and cultural significance.
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