Presenting a beautiful matching pair of rare old "Eye" Venetian wound glass trade beads, adorned with intricate trail decoration. These exceptional beads are referenced in the renowned Picard Volume IV, p. 30, beads 1461, further enhancing their historic significance. Crafted with masterful precision in Venice, Italy, these beads were once used in the African trade in the early 1900s.
Bead Size: Approximately 12mm x 12mm
Condition: Excellent, minor decoration loss (please see photos)
These antique Venetian beads were meticulously handmade using the traditional lampwork technique. This involved winding molten glass around a metal rod, followed by the careful application of detailed trail decorations. Venetian lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, were highly prized for their craftsmanship and beauty, and they played a pivotal role in trade throughout Africa, especially in regions like Ghana.
In the African trade, particularly in Ghana, these beads held immense cultural and economic value, often being used as a form of currency and in ceremonial attire. The unique artistry and history of these beads make them a collector's treasure.
