Antique Black Bicone "King" Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads, 16mm

Introducing a beautiful matching pair of old black bicone Venetian wound glass trade beads, known as "King" beads, with intricate trail decorations. These exquisite beads are a true testament to the fine craftsmanship of Venetian glassmakers from the late 1800s to early 1900s, specifically made for the African trade. Their stunning black color and detailed design make them a perfect addition to any collection of antique glass beads.

• Bead Size: 16 mm X 15 mm
• Condition: Very good, with very light chipping (please refer to photos)

The technique used to create these beads is known as lampworking, a centuries-old method in which the artisan heats glass rods over a flame, carefully winding the molten glass around a metal mandrel. In Venice, this technique produced the highly sought-after wound glass beads that played a significant role in African trade, especially in Ghana and across West Africa. These beads, rich in history, were not only used as currency but also symbolized status and cultural heritage.

Explore more from our unique collection:

• Venetian Lampwork Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Venetian Lampwork Beads Archive