This is a beautiful strand of Antique Black Venetian Skunk Glass Beads. They are black with applied polychrome dots. These black Skunk Eye beads are exceptional. Old trade beads such as these originate in Venice, Italy where they were produced and traded to Africa. Each bead has been crafted by an artisan by applying the molten white, red and blue glass dots to the black base of the bead. These beads are round and graduate from 12mm to 16mm. Created using the wound, or drawn glass production method. Skunk Beads represent one of the earliest forms of 'lampwork', a process which involves the addition of small glass globules to a set surface, giving the 3-D raised effect. The black skunk beads are even earlier than the red or white examples. The beads have some chips and pits, consistent with age and use. Some loss of decoration. You get this exact necklace.
- Circa mid 1800's
- Length: 29 inches
- Bead Size: 12-16mm