Beautiful and rare OLD TABULAR "FANCY" trail decorated Venetian wound glass trade bead (Picard, Volume IV, p.33, bead 1660).
This exquisite bead features a unique tabular shape with intricate trail decoration. The craftsmanship and the vibrancy of the design make this a standout piece, highly sought after by collectors of African trade beads and antique Venetian glass.
Size: 16 x 14 x 7 mm
Condition: Excellent
Venetian wound glass beads like this one were made in Venice, Italy, in the late 1800s to early 1900s. These beads played an essential role in trade across West Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they were exchanged for goods and services, often holding cultural and monetary value.
The lampwork (also known as wound glass) technique used to create these beads involved winding molten glass around a metal rod, a skill that has been passed down through generations in Venice. Each bead was handcrafted, ensuring no two were exactly alike. The rich history and artistry of Venetian glass beads have made them a significant part of African trade, where they were highly prized for their beauty and craftsmanship.
