Antique Tabular Fancy Venetian Lampwork Glass Trade Bead, 20x15mm

Discover a beautiful, antique Venetian glass trade bead with exquisite craftsmanship. This tabular "fancy" wound bead features elegant trail decoration, making it a unique piece of history. This bead, referenced in Picard's Volume V (p.39, bead 1269), was created using traditional lampwork techniques and was a significant part of the African trade in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

• Size: 20mm x 15mm x 6mm
• Condition: Excellent

The production of Venetian lampwork (wound glass) beads dates back to Venice, Italy, where skilled artisans melted glass rods over an open flame to carefully wind the glass into delicate bead shapes. These lampwork beads were not only a testament to Venetian craftsmanship but also played an important role in trade throughout Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they were highly valued. African trade beads like these were exchanged for goods, helping to facilitate commerce and cultural exchange.

Explore more of TribalGH’s authentic collections:

• Venetian Lampwork Beads for Sale
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Venetian Lampwork Beads (Archives)