Introducing a truly rare and exquisite piece of history: a beautiful antique black "Fancy" Venetian glass trade bead, decorated with intricate trail designs. This bead is a perfect example of the stunning craftsmanship for which Venetian artisans are renowned. Sourced from the late 1800s to early 1900s, this bead is not only a work of art but also a significant part of African trade history.
Size: 13 x 6 mm
Condition: Excellent
The Venetian lampwork, or wound glass, bead-making technique used here is an age-old tradition in Venice. Artisans would painstakingly wind molten glass around a metal rod, creating unique beads with rich, varied patterns, like the distinctive trail decoration on this bead. These beads became vital in African trade, especially in regions like Ghana, where they were exchanged for goods and services. As both currency and ornament, Venetian trade beads played a crucial role in cultural exchanges across Africa.
Own a piece of history and craftsmanship with this rare antique black "Fancy" Venetian glass bead, an item that embodies centuries of tradition and trade.
