Tribalgh
Rare Dutch Delft Fancy Venetian Wound Glass Trade Bead, 1800s
Rare Dutch Delft Fancy Venetian Wound Glass Trade Bead, 1800s
Introducing a rare and exquisite Dutch Delft fancy Venetian wound glass trade bead with stunning trail decoration. This bead, made in the late 1800s, showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Venetian artisans, and is a prime example of the type of beads that played a significant role in African trade, particularly in West Africa.
- Size: 15 x 8 mm
- Condition: Very good, with very light chipping (see photos)
Venetian lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, were expertly hand-crafted in Venice using a delicate process of winding molten glass around a metal rod. This bead features intricate trail decoration, a hallmark of Venetian artistry, and was among the beads traded throughout Africa in the late 19th century, valued not only as currency but also as symbols of status and wealth.
Trade beads like these were especially important in Ghana and other parts of Africa, where they played a central role in social, economic, and cultural exchanges. Today, they are cherished collectibles that speak to a rich history of craftsmanship and global trade.
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