Discover this rare green "Fancy" Venetian wound glass trade bead, meticulously crafted in the early 1900s and used extensively in the African trade. This exquisite bead, cataloged in Picard Volume III, p. 15, bead 638, is a fine example of Venetian artistry. It features delicate trail decorations that showcase the intricate glassworking techniques of the time. Despite its age, the bead remains in very good condition with only minor decoration loss.
Size: 14 x 13 mm
Condition: Very good, minor decoration loss
Venetian lampwork, or wound glass beads, were crafted by carefully winding molten glass around a mandrel. The resulting bead, once cooled, was often adorned with trails of glass or other intricate designs, making each piece unique. These beads played a significant role in African trade, particularly in regions like Ghana, where they were used as currency, symbols of wealth, and cultural heritage. Owning such a bead is like holding a piece of history, rich with artistic and cultural value.
Explore more of our unique bead collections below:
