Tribalgh
Rare Antique Red Fancy Banded Oval Venetian Lampwork Glass Trade Beads
Rare Antique Red Fancy Banded Oval Venetian Lampwork Glass Trade Beads
This beautiful and rare matching pair of antique Venetian lampwork glass trade beads showcases a striking red banded oval design with intricate trail decoration. These wound glass beads, crafted in Venice in the late 1800s to early 1900s, were highly prized in African trade, especially in Ghana. The beads have a distinctive "fancy" look, making them an exceptional find for collectors and jewelry makers.
- Size: Approximately 13 x 9 mm
- Condition: Excellent, with a few small air bubbles (see photos)
The technique used to create these beads is known as lampwork, where molten glass is wound around a metal rod to form intricate patterns. Each bead is unique due to the handcrafting process, and the trail decoration further enhances their individuality. Venetian glassmakers mastered this technique, producing beads that were widely traded across Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they became essential in cultural exchanges and jewelry making. These beads were not just decorative but also served as a form of currency in African trade routes, symbolizing wealth and status.
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