Discover a stunning and rare Red Elbow Venetian wound glass trade bead, crafted to imitate the striking appearance of natural red coral. This unique bead is beautifully featured in Robert Liu’s "Collectible Beads" on page 24, making it a true collectible for bead enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Size: 48 x 13 mm
Condition: Very good condition, with lightly beveled and slightly chipped ends (please refer to the photos for details).
These Venetian trade beads, crafted with precision in Venice during the early 1900s, were used extensively in the African trade, particularly in regions such as Ghana and other parts of West Africa. Lampwork (or wound glass) beads are made by winding molten glass around a metal rod, forming beautiful patterns and shapes. Each bead was meticulously handcrafted, showcasing the unparalleled skill of Venetian artisans.
The importance of these trade beads goes beyond their beauty— they were vital in the barter systems of Africa, especially in Ghana, where beads held significant cultural and monetary value. Venetian glass beads, such as this one, became prized possessions and heirlooms passed down through generations.
