Beautiful Antique White Fancy Venetian Lampwork Glass Trade Beads

Presenting a stunning pair of antique Venetian wound glass trade beads, featuring intricate trail decorations. These white Fancy beads, originating from Venice, Italy, were handcrafted for the African trade in the late 1800s to early 1900s. These beads are rare and carry historical significance, as noted in the renowned reference book Picard, Volume IV, p.23, strand 8.

• Size of beads: 13 x 11 mm
• Condition: Very good, considering age and prior use in trade

These antique lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, were meticulously handmade by Venetian artisans using the lampworking technique. The process involves winding molten glass around a metal rod, skillfully layering and manipulating it to create beautiful trail decorations. Trade beads like these played an essential role in West African markets, particularly in Ghana, where they were valued for their beauty and served as currency, symbols of status, and cultural exchange items.

Explore more from our exclusive collections:

• Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads currently available for sale
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Venetian Lampwork Beads