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Set of 11 antique Venetian “King” glass African trade beads, likely dating to the late 19th to early 20th century.
King beads are a distinctive type of old Venetian wound and marvered trade bead, recognized by their biconical shape and bold striped decoration. These examples have green glass bodies with applied yellow and red/dark striped designs.
The beads vary considerably in size, shape, color and decoration, with some more strongly biconical than others. All show substantial age and wear consistent with old circulated trade beads.
Quantity: 11 beads
Origin: Venice / Murano, Italy
Type: Venetian King beads / African trade beads
Shape: Bicone / biconical
Material: Glass
Colors: Green, yellow, red and dark accents
Period: Likely late 19th to early 20th century
Size: Approximately 1/2”–1” depending on bead; see ruler photos for scale.
Condition is heavily weathered antique condition. Expect surface wear, pitting, loss of decoration, small chips, worn perforations and irregularities. One bead has particularly significant damage/pitting near the perforation. Please examine all photographs carefully. The exact 11 beads pictured are included.
