Rare Large Antique Venetian Lampwork African Trade Bead - 25x10mm

Explore this beautiful rare old large size Venetian wound glass trade bead featuring exquisite banded and trail decorations. This bead, created using traditional lampwork techniques, is a perfect example of Venetian craftsmanship that was widely used in the African trade during the early 1900s.

• Size: 25 x 10 mm
• Condition: Very good condition with tiny air bubbles and very lightly chipped at the ends (see photos).

Venetian lampwork, also known as wound glass bead making, is a time-honored technique from Venice, Italy. Artisans would heat the glass over an open flame and carefully wind it around a metal rod, allowing them to create intricate designs such as the banded and trail decorations seen here. These beads were highly prized in Africa, especially in Ghana, where they were used as trade currency and held cultural significance for centuries. Collectors and bead enthusiasts will appreciate both the beauty and the history encapsulated in this unique piece.

Explore more of TribalGH’s curated collections:

• Venetian Lampwork Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads for Sale
• Archived Venetian Lampwork Beads