Rare Antique Venetian Lampwork Glass Trade Beads with Trail Design

Presenting a set of four beautiful and rare antique Venetian wound glass trade beads featuring intricate trail decoration. These beads, crafted in Venice in the late 1800s to early 1900s, are a stunning example of the artistry and history behind Venetian lampwork beads.

• Size: 11 x 7 mm
• Condition: Very good condition with minor decoration loss (see photos)

These antique Venetian trade beads were historically used in the African trade, primarily in Ghana and across West Africa. Their enduring beauty and craftsmanship made them highly desirable in these regions, where they were exchanged for goods and woven into the cultural fabric of African societies.

The lampwork, or wound glass technique, used to create these beads involves winding molten glass around a metal rod, meticulously shaping and decorating each bead. The addition of trail decorations showcases the skill of Venetian artisans. These beads were not only used for adornment but also carried significant value as currency in trade, especially along the trade routes connecting Europe and Africa.

For more antique Venetian lampwork beads, explore our current collection here. View our complete collection of old trade beads here, and discover previously sold rare Venetian beads in the archives here.