These three beautiful OLD oval "Fancy" Venetian wound glass trade beads are an exquisite find, featuring a rare trail decoration. Crafted in Venice during the late 1800s to early 1900s, these beads were used in African trade and are highly sought after by collectors.
Bead Length: 10-11 mm
Bead Diameter: 7-8 mm
Condition: Very good (minor decoration loss; see photos)
Venetian lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, are crafted through an intricate technique perfected in Venice, Italy. The process involves winding molten glass around a mandrel, followed by skilled application of decorative elements such as trails. These beads were essential in the African trade, particularly in Ghana and West Africa, where they held great value and played a significant role in local commerce and adornment.
