Rare Antique Black Floral Venetian Glass Trade Bead – Fancy Wound African Trade Bead

This exquisite and rare antique black floral Venetian glass trade bead is a true collector’s item. Crafted with intricate trail decoration and made using the traditional Venetian lampwork technique, this bead was an essential part of the African trade in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Its deep black glass contrasts beautifully with the delicate floral design, creating a bead that is both bold and elegant.

• Size: 16 x 12 mm
• Condition: Excellent, with no chips or cracks

Venetian wound glass beads were carefully crafted in Venice, Italy, using a labor-intensive lampwork technique. Each bead was individually made by hand, where artisans would wrap molten glass around a metal mandrel, forming its shape. These beads became invaluable in the African trade, particularly in West Africa, including Ghana. There, they were prized for their beauty and craftsmanship, becoming symbols of wealth and status in many communities. Today, they remain highly sought-after by collectors and jewelry makers worldwide.

Explore more of TribalGH's Venetian Lampwork Beads, our collection of old trade beads, or browse our archives of sold Venetian beads.