Rare Antique Tic-Tac-Toe Venetian Glass Trade Beads with Trail Decoration

Discover the beauty of these rare, antique Venetian lampwork trade beads, commonly referred to as "Tic-Tac-Toe" beads due to their striking design. These stunning beads, crafted in Venice in the late 1800s to early 1900s, feature intricate trail decoration, making them highly desirable pieces in both the African trade and bead-collecting communities.

• Bead Size: 17 x 11 mm
• Condition: Very good, with a few small air bubbles and minor decoration loss (see photos)

The Venetian lampwork technique, also known as wound glass, involves the skilled craftsmanship of winding molten glass around a metal rod. These beads are further adorned with a unique "trail decoration" where thin strands of glass are carefully applied, giving each bead its signature detailed pattern. Venetian trade beads like these were highly prized in Africa, especially in Ghana, where they were used as currency and valued for their beauty and craftsmanship.

Explore more of our exquisite collections below:

• Browse Venetian Lampwork Trade Beads
• Explore Trade Beads Collection
• View Archived Venetian Lampwork Beads