Rare Antique Blue Eye Elbow Venetian Lampwork Glass Trade Bead

Discover the beauty and history behind this rare antique Venetian lampwork glass trade bead, crafted in Venice in the early 1900s and widely used in African trade. This stunning bead features an elegant blue eye trail decoration along an elbow shape, making it a truly unique addition to any collection.

• Size: 31 x 8 mm
• Condition: Excellent

This Venetian bead exemplifies the artistry of lampwork (also known as wound glass) bead-making, a technique perfected by Venetian artisans. Each bead is meticulously formed by winding molten glass around a metal rod and skillfully decorating it with glass trails, creating beautiful, intricate designs like the distinctive eye motif on this piece.

Venetian beads played a crucial role in African trade, especially in regions like Ghana. These glass beads were highly prized, often used as currency or in ceremonial exchanges, and remain cherished collectibles today for their craftsmanship and cultural significance.

Explore more of our exquisite collections:

• Current Collection of Venetian Lampwork Beads
• Current Collection of Old Trade Beads
• Archived Collection of Sold Venetian Lampwork Beads