Presenting a rare and beautiful antique Venetian "Fancy" glass trade bead, showcasing exquisite trail decoration. This large bead, crafted with precision in Venice, Italy, during the early 1900s, is a remarkable piece of history, once traded extensively in Africa, particularly in Ghana.
Bead size: 17 x 14 mm
Condition: Excellent condition with minor decoration loss (please see photos)
These Venetian lampwork beads were crafted using the traditional wound glass technique, where molten glass is meticulously wound around a mandrel to create unique shapes and patterns. The intricate trail decoration, applied while the glass was still soft, further enhances the bead's ornate appearance. These "Fancy" beads were highly sought after and played a significant role in African trade, especially in regions like Ghana, where they were exchanged for goods and became symbols of wealth and prestige.
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