Rare Antique Venetian Fancy Glass Trade Bead with Trail Decoration

Add a touch of history to your collection with this rare large old "Fancy" Venetian glass trade bead, featuring intricate trail decoration. This beautiful bead is a classic example of antique Venetian lampwork craftsmanship, known for its distinct design and vibrant color. With a size of:

• 23mm in length
• 13mm in width

This Venetian bead is in very good condition, showing only light beveling, as seen in the detailed photos. These beads were highly prized in African trade during the late 1800s to early 1900s, particularly in Ghana and West Africa, where they were used for barter and as a sign of wealth.

Made using traditional lampwork techniques in Venice, these beads were individually wound by hand, making each piece unique. The trail decoration is an artistic method where molten glass is applied to the surface of the bead in swirling or dotted patterns, adding to its beauty and complexity.

Venetian trade beads played a vital role in Africa's rich trade history, particularly in Ghana, where they were exchanged for goods and became symbols of status and heritage. Collectors and enthusiasts value these beads not only for their beauty but also for the cultural significance they hold.

Discover more antique Venetian lampwork beads in our collection, explore our current Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads, or view our full collection of trade beads. You can also explore our archived Venetian lampwork beads for additional historical treasures.