Tabular Green 4 Layer Chevron Beads | Antique Venetian Trade Beads

Offered here is a striking set of six beautiful old large-size tabular 4-layer green Venetian Chevron glass trade beads, crafted with precision in the early 1900s. These rare Rosetta beads are distinctive for their flat, disk-like “tabular” shape-making them highly desirable to collectors and bead enthusiasts.

Each bead features a rich green coloration with multi-layered chevron star patterns, emblematic of Venetian craftsmanship. The form and vibrant hue of these beads speak to their artistry and the important role they played in the African trade system.

• Bead Size: Approximately 12 mm x 11 mm x 4 mm

• Condition: Excellent antique condition

History & Craftsmanship

Chevron beads-also known as Rosetta beads-originated from the renowned glassmaking workshops of Murano, Venice. These beads were created using the complex “drawn cane” method: multiple layers of colored glass were gathered, shaped in a star mold, and drawn into long canes. Once cooled, they were sliced into beads and often ground or reheated to achieve smooth finishes and precise designs.

The tabular form seen here is less common than cylindrical shapes, giving these beads both visual appeal and rarity. In the early 1900s, these Venetian Chevron beads were traded extensively across West and Central Africa, valued not only as currency but also as ornaments symbolizing wealth, prestige, and cultural identity.

Green tabular Chevrons in such condition and uniformity are increasingly rare, making this group a valuable addition to any antique bead collection or museum-grade display.

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