Introducing a beautiful OLD "FLORAL" wound Venetian glass trade bead with intricate trail decoration, as documented in Picard, Volume III, p. 14, bead 602. This stunning bead, crafted in Venice, Italy, was used in the African trade during the early 1900s and has stood the test of time.
Size: 18 x 9 mm
Condition: Very good with minor decoration loss
This rare bead is an exquisite example of the Venetian lampwork technique, where artisans skillfully crafted each bead by winding molten glass around a metal rod and decorating it with trails of colored glass. Venetian trade beads like this were highly valued in African markets, especially in regions such as Ghana, where they were used as a form of currency and cultural adornment. The intricate floral design and vibrant colors are a testament to the artistry and importance of these beads in African trade history.
