Rare Old Tabular Venetian Lampwork Trade Bead, African Fancy Glass Bead

Introducing a beautiful and rare OLD TABULAR "FANCY" trail-decorated Venetian wound glass trade bead. This exquisite piece, referenced in Picard's Volume V, p.39 (Bead 1272), is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of Venetian artisans during the late 1800s to early 1900s.

• Size: 20 x 18 x 7 mm
• Condition: Very good, with light chipping and minor decoration loss (please see photos)

This antique bead, crafted in Venice, was specifically created for the African trade, where such beads held immense value and were often used as currency or symbols of status. The technique used to create this "fancy" bead is known as lampworking or wound glass bead-making. Each bead was meticulously handmade, with intricate trails and decorations applied while the glass was still molten.

Venetian trade beads played a significant role in African history, particularly in regions like Ghana, where they were exchanged for goods, ivory, gold, and even human lives. These beads have since become highly collectible, with their rich history and unique craftsmanship making them prized possessions for collectors and bead enthusiasts alike.

Explore more about TribalGH’s unique collections:

• Venetian Lampwork Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads for Sale
• Venetian Lampwork Beads Archive