Rare Antique Black "Eye" Venetian Lampwork Beads - African Trade Disks

These stunning five rare black "eye" Venetian lampwork trade beads showcase intricate trail decoration and a beautiful disk shape. Each bead is a work of art, crafted in Venice during the late 1800s to early 1900s and used in the African trade, particularly in regions such as Ghana.

• Size: Approximately 11 mm in diameter
• Condition: Very good vintage condition

Venetian lampwork (also known as wound glass) beads are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship. Made by heating glass rods and carefully winding the molten glass around a metal rod, these beads were individually shaped and often adorned with complex patterns, such as the "eye" design seen here. This particular style was highly prized in African markets, especially in Ghana, where trade beads held significant cultural and economic value. These beads traveled across vast distances, becoming part of Africa’s rich history of bead trading.

For more unique Venetian lampwork beads, explore our collections:

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