Antique Striped Black Bicone "King" Venetian Wound Glass Trade Bead
Discover the beauty of this large, antique striped black bicone "King" Venetian glass trade bead. Handcrafted in Venice in the late 1800s to early 1900s, this bead features a bold trail decoration that highlights its exquisite craftsmanship. Originally created for African trade, these beads played a vital role in the exchange of goods and cultures.
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Size: 19 mm x 17 mm
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Condition: Excellent
Venetian lampwork beads, also known as wound glass beads, were meticulously crafted in Venice using a centuries-old technique. The process involved winding molten glass around a metal rod, with artists using great skill to add detailed decorations, such as the striped and trail designs seen here. These beads were highly valued in African trade, particularly in Ghana and West Africa, where they were exchanged for goods and used in jewelry, symbolizing wealth and status.
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