Antique Venetian Millefiori Trade Bead Necklace with Akan Brass Gold Weight Pendant, West Africa / Italy, Glass and Lost-Wax Brass

This necklace is composed of antique Venetian millefiori trade beads combined with a cast brass element attributed to Akan gold weight traditions of present-day Ghana. Venetian mosaic glass beads, produced in Murano, were widely traded into West Africa during the 19th and early 20th centuries, where they became integrated into systems of adornment, status, and exchange. Akan brass gold weights formed part of a highly developed gold economy and were cast in a wide range of geometric and symbolic forms.

The present strand is a curated assembly from the Egon Günter Collection, restrung by Thomas Guenther to preserve and present original components in a wearable format. The beads show age-related wear consistent with historic use, while the brass element displays characteristics of lost-wax casting. As a composed piece combining documented collection material with careful modern presentation, it holds both collecting and display value.

Circa: Beads late 19th to early 20th century; Akan gold weight 19th–20th century; restrung 21st century

Provenance: Egon Günter Collection; restrung by Thomas Guenther

Measurements:
Length 73 cm
Weight:180 g