Tribalgh

Rare Antique Cobalt Blue Venetian Lampwork Glass Trade Beads – 13x11mm

Presenting a stunning matching pair of rare old translucent cobalt blue "Fancy" Venetian wound glass beads with intricate trail decoration. These antique Venetian beads, dating back to the early 1900s, were crafted using the traditional lampwork technique, making each bead a unique treasure.

Size: 13 x 11 mm
Condition: Very good condition (minor decoration loss, see photos)

These gorgeous beads were part of the African trade, widely cherished for their artistic craftsmanship and cultural value. Their deep cobalt blue color and delicate trail decoration make them highly sought after by collectors of antique glass beads.

Venetian lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, were meticulously handmade in Venice, Italy, by skilled artisans. The lampwork technique involved melting glass rods over a flame and carefully winding them around a metal rod to form beautiful beads. For centuries, these beads played a significant role in trade, particularly in West Africa, including Ghana, where they were exchanged as currency and worn as symbols of status and beauty.

Explore more of our rare and beautiful collections of Venetian lampwork trade beads below: