Presenting an antique tabular brick Venetian wound glass trade bead, adorned with elegant trail decorations. This rare "fancy" bead is noted in Picard, Volume IV, p.10, bead 291, showcasing its historical importance and refined craftsmanship. Used in the African trade during the late 1800s to early 1900s, this bead is a must-have for any serious collector of African or Venetian trade beads.
Size:
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Length: 17 mm
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Width: 16 mm
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Thickness: 7 mm
Condition:
- Very good condition
- Very light chipping
- Minor decoration loss (see photos)
The art of Venetian lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, dates back centuries and is recognized for its intricate handcrafting process. These beads were created by winding molten glass around a rod, a technique that flourished in Venice, Italy. Each piece was a work of art, meticulously shaped and often enhanced with trail decorations, as seen in this bead.
Venetian trade beads played a pivotal role in commerce across Ghana and other regions of Africa during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Beads like these were highly valued as currency and used for trade, with their unique designs contributing to their desirability. Today, these beads remain symbols of history, artistry, and cross-cultural exchange.
Explore more of our Venetian Lampwork beads available for sale, browse the collection of trade beads available for sale, or discover sold items in the Archives.
