Discover a rare black bicone "King" Venetian glass trade bead featuring a striking trail decoration. This beautiful antique bead is an excellent example of Venetian lampwork craftsmanship, used in the African trade during the late 1800s to early 1900s.
Size: 20 x 16 mm
Condition: Very good – one air bubble and minor decoration loss (see photos)
This bead, crafted in Venice, was made using the lampwork technique, also known as wound glass bead-making. Artisans would wind molten glass around a rod, allowing for intricate designs like the trail decoration seen on this piece. Venetian trade beads like this one played a crucial role in Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they were used as a form of currency and in cultural exchanges. They remain highly collectible today for their beauty and historical significance.
For more exquisite antique Venetian beads and trade beads, explore the following collections:
