Rare Old "Eye" Fancy Elbow Venetian Lampwork Glass Trade Bead 27x8mm

Enhance your collection with this beautiful rare old "Eye" fancy trail-decorated elbow Venetian lampwork glass trade bead. Originating from Venice and crafted in the early 1900s, this bead features exquisite detailing with its signature “eye” pattern and decorative trails. Once used in African trade, this antique bead offers collectors and enthusiasts a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of trade across continents.

• Size: 27 x 8 mm
• Condition: Very good (lightly chipped at one end, see photos)

These Venetian beads, also known as wound glass or lampwork beads, were handcrafted by skilled artisans in Venice using a centuries-old technique. The molten glass was wound around a mandrel, creating beads with unique shapes and intricate designs, like the iconic "eye" pattern seen here. Such beads held immense value during trade in Ghana and other parts of Africa, where they were exchanged for goods and services, symbolizing wealth and status. Today, they remain a prized collector's item due to their historical significance and beautiful craftsmanship.

Explore more from TribalGH:

• Browse our Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads collection
• Discover our Old Trade Beads collection
• View our Sold Venetian Lampwork Beads in the Archive