Assorted Antique Venetian Trade Beads #17768

A remarkable long strand of assorted Venetian glass trade beads, featuring an especially varied collection of colors, patterns, shapes, and traditional bead-making techniques. The strand includes several varieties of feather beads, multiple styles of black skunk eye beads, a black chevron bead, Venetian Aja beads, and an assortment of other fancy Venetian trade beads. The beads measure approximately 2–17 x 9–14mm, with approximately 2mm holes, and the complete strand measures about 38 inches long. Traditionally strung on raffia, the strand has a wonderful mixed character, with variations in size, decoration, surface wear, and patina adding to its appeal. Venice—and particularly the island of Murano—became one of the world's most important centers of glass bead production, manufacturing an extraordinary range of beads for export. Venetian beads circulated widely through international trade and became especially important in African trade networks, where imported glass beads were incorporated into traditions of personal adornment, status, and artistic expression. By the early 17th century, hundreds of bead-making firms were operating on Murano, producing an enormous variety of designs for overseas markets. This generously sized strand brings together numerous distinctive Venetian styles in one highly collectible assortment—ideal for collectors, display, study, or incorporation into one-of-a-kind jewelry and decorative projects.