Strand of Tabular Green Chevron Beads | Antique Venetian Trade

This is a beautiful matching strand of old tabular 4-layer green Venetian Chevron glass trade beads, expertly crafted and historically used in the African trade during the early 1900s. These distinctive beads feature a flattened, disk-like form known as "tabular," giving the strand a unique and elegant appearance.

The glasswork showcases a rich green outer layer with striking chevron starburst patterns on the ends of each bead. The harmony of size, color, and shape makes this strand ideal for collectors, designers, or anyone drawn to antique glass artistry.

• Strand Length: 27 1/2 inches (70 cm)

• Condition: Very good antique condition
• Note: Some beads show light edge chipping consistent with age (see photos)

History & Craftsmanship

Venetian Chevron beads-also known as Rosetta beads-were first created on the island of Murano in Venice during the late 15th century. These beads were produced using the drawn cane method, where layers of differently colored molten glass were poured into star-shaped molds, drawn into long rods, sliced, and polished to reveal the intricate chevron pattern on each end.

Tabular Chevron beads like these are less common than their cylindrical counterparts, and are prized for their unusual shape and distinctive look. In the early 1900s, strands such as this one were used in West and Central Africa as a form of currency and cultural adornment, often traded for goods or worn as symbols of wealth and prestige.

This strand not only represents centuries of glassmaking tradition but also tells a story of cross-cultural exchange and historical significance.

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