Antique Eye Fancy Venetian Wound Glass Trade Beads with Trail Decoration

Explore the beauty and history of these Four Antique Eye Fancy Venetian Wound Glass Trade Beads. Handcrafted in Venice during the late 1800s to early 1900s, these beads showcase intricate trail decorations on their surface. Their unique eye-like patterns and vibrant design made them popular in the African trade, especially in Ghana, where they were highly valued as symbols of wealth and status.

• Size of beads: 13 x 10 mm
• Condition: Very good with minor decoration loss (please see photos for details)

These beads were made using the traditional lampwork (wound glass) technique in Venice, where molten glass is wound around a metal rod, allowing artisans to shape and decorate each piece with precise patterns. This technique, known for its delicacy and artistry, gave rise to countless unique beads that became highly sought after in Africa.

Trade beads like these were crucial in the cultural and economic exchanges between Europe and Africa, particularly in regions like Ghana. They were often used in barter, and over time, they became important symbols of identity and prestige within African communities.

Discover more exceptional Venetian beads in our collection, and take a look at our archives for sold pieces:

• Venetian Lampwork Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Venetian Lampwork Beads Archives