Tribalgh
Rare Antique Venetian Brick Fancy Wound Glass African Trade Beads 15x9mm
Rare Antique Venetian Brick Fancy Wound Glass African Trade Beads 15x9mm
These beautiful rare antique Venetian "Fancy" wound glass trade beads feature a stunning brick-colored base with intricate trail decorations. Crafted in Venice and used in the African trade during the late 1800s to early 1900s, these beads are a fine example of Venetian craftsmanship. Their unique design and historical significance make them an excellent addition to any collector’s trove.
- Size of beads: 15 x 9 mm
- Condition: Very good with minor decoration loss and light chipping at the ends (see photos)
These beads were crafted using the traditional Venetian lampwork technique, also known as wound glass beadmaking. This method involves winding molten glass around a mandrel, allowing skilled artisans to create intricate designs like the trails seen on these beads. Venetian lampwork beads were highly prized and widely traded, especially in Africa, where they played an essential role in commerce and cultural exchange. In Ghana and across the continent, these beads held value not just as currency but as symbols of status and artistry.
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