Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of this rare antique Venetian bicone "King" glass trade bead, a true gem from the late 1800s to early 1900s. This bead features intricate trail decoration, skillfully created using traditional Venetian lampwork techniques. An exceptional addition to any collection, this bead is referenced in Picard, Volume V, p.30, strand 8.
Size: 18 x 14 mm
Condition: Excellent
This remarkable bead hails from Venice, where artisans perfected the lampwork technique, also known as wound glass bead making. Each bead is carefully wound and decorated with molten glass, a delicate process that results in one-of-a-kind pieces. These beads played a significant role in African trade, especially in Ghana, where they were highly valued as currency and symbols of wealth. Today, they remain a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of trade beads in Africa.
