Rare Large Elbow Cased Cane Venetian Glass Trade Bead, 55x12mm

Introducing a rare and beautiful large elbow cased cane Venetian glass trade bead featured in Picard, Volume VI, p.37, bead 651. This stunning bead exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of Venetian beadmakers from the late 1800s to early 1900s, showcasing a unique millefiori mosaic pattern that was highly prized in African trade. This bead is a remarkable piece of history, having traveled from Venice to Africa, and remains in very good condition with only minor chips at the end (as shown in photos).

• Size: 55 x 12 mm
• Condition: Lightly chipped at the end (see photos for details)

The lampwork technique used to create this bead is a traditional Venetian method where glass is wound over a flame and intricately shaped. Often referred to as "wound glass beads," these were crafted with great skill in Venice and exported primarily to Africa, where they became a key form of currency and trade in Ghana and across the continent. The importance of these trade beads in African markets, especially in Ghana, cannot be overstated as they were symbols of wealth, status, and cultural exchange.