Discover this beautiful matching pair of antique Venetian wound glass trade beads with striking striped brick design and intricate trail decoration. These beads, crafted in Venice during the late 1800s to early 1900s, were traded extensively across Africa, particularly in regions like Ghana.
Size: 13-14 mm in diameter
Condition: Excellent condition with a few minor air bubbles
These lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, were painstakingly handmade by skilled artisans in Venice. The technique involves wrapping molten glass around a metal rod, creating each bead one at a time. The final trail decoration adds to the bead's uniqueness, giving it a distinctive aesthetic.
Trade beads like these played a significant role in African commerce and cultural exchanges, especially in Ghana. They were not only used for trade but also as symbols of wealth, status, and social identity. These beads are a perfect addition to any collection, representing the fascinating history of African trade and the artistry of Venetian glassmakers.
