Antique Black Fancy Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads with Trail Design

Discover a stunning pair of antique black "Fancy" Venetian glass trade beads, beautifully adorned with intricate trail decorations. These beads were meticulously crafted using the traditional lampwork (wound glass) technique in Venice, Italy, and are a wonderful representation of the artistry of the late 1800s to early 1900s. Such beads were highly sought after in the African trade, especially in regions like Ghana, where they were used for both adornment and as currency in various transactions.

• Size: 13-14 mm x 10 mm
• Condition: Excellent, well-preserved condition

Lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, were formed by winding molten glass around a metal rod, allowing for intricate patterns like the trail design seen here. These unique pieces played a crucial role in the African trade, notably in Ghana, where they held significant value not just as ornaments but also as a medium of exchange. The trade of these beads represents an important cultural and economic exchange between Europe and Africa.

For more exquisite Venetian lampwork beads, explore the following collections from TribalGH:

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