This beautiful rare old large Venetian banded Fancy glass trade bead features intricate trail decorations, making it a unique piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Handcrafted in Venice, Italy, this antique bead is a fine example of the exquisite artistry of lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, which were highly sought after during the African trade in the early 1900s.
Size: 27 mm x 10 mm
Condition: Very good, with minor chipping at the ends (see photos)
The technique used to create this bead is known as lampwork or wound glass, where molten glass is carefully wound around a mandrel to form beautiful, detailed designs. Venetian artisans were renowned for their craftsmanship, creating beads that were not only decorative but also played a significant role in trade, especially in Africa. These trade beads were particularly valued in regions like Ghana, where they symbolized wealth and were used as currency during important transactions.
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