Discover a rare green "eye" Venetian wound glass trade bead, featuring an intricate trail decoration. This unique bead, showcased in Picard's reference guide (Volume III, p. 15, bead 713), offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship of early 20th-century Venetian glassmakers.
Bead size: 30mm x 10mm
Condition: Chipped at the end, minor decoration loss (see photos).
The bead is in good condition but shows some signs of wear, as expected from its age and use.
Venetian lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, are created through a meticulous process of winding molten glass around a metal rod. This technique, developed in Venice, was perfected over centuries and became a cornerstone of the African trade. These beads held immense value, especially in regions like Ghana, where they were used as currency, symbols of status, and adornment. The "eye" design added to their protective and cultural significance, making them highly sought after.
