Discover the beauty of this rare, large black bicone "King" Venetian lampwork glass trade bead, made in Venice and used in the African trade during the late 1800s to early 1900s. This exquisite bead features a distinctive trail decoration, crafted with precision and care, showcasing the remarkable artistry of Venetian glassmakers.
Size: 21 x 18 mm
Condition: Very good with light chipping and minor decoration loss (see photos)
This bead was handcrafted using the lampwork technique, also known as wound glass bead-making, which involved winding molten glass around a metal rod to create the perfect form. These beads were not only admired for their beauty but also held significant value in the African trade, particularly in regions like Ghana. Venetian glass trade beads were a vital part of Africa's rich trading history, serving both as currency and symbols of prestige.
Explore more from our curated collection of Venetian lampwork beads below:
