{"product_id":"venetian-millefiori-trade-bead-necklace-with-akan-gold-weight-pendant-west-africa-ghana-glass-and-cast-brass","title":"Venetian Millefiori Trade Bead Necklace with Akan Gold Weight Pendant, West Africa (Ghana), Glass and Cast Brass","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"512\" data-end=\"990\"\u003eA composed strand of Venetian millefiori (mosaic glass) trade beads, incorporating an Akan cast brass pendant in the form of a gold weight. Produced in Venice and exported to West Africa, such beads formed part of established trade networks and were widely integrated into systems of adornment and exchange. The pendant reflects Akan metalworking traditions, where cast brass weights historically functioned within gold dust economies and later as symbolic forms in jewellery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"992\" data-end=\"1529\"\u003eThe beads display polychrome cane construction with eye and trail motifs, showing surface wear consistent with age and circulation. The pendant is executed in the lost-wax casting technique and retains a stable, darkened patina. The strand has been professionally restrung for preservation and wearability, ensuring structural integrity while maintaining the integrity of the original components. Assemblages of this type are collected for their material history and the interaction between European manufacture and West African usage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1531\" data-end=\"1615\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCirca:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1537\" data-end=\"1540\"\u003eBeads: Late 19th–Early 20th century\u003cbr data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1578\"\u003ePendant: 20th century (Akan, Ghana)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1617\" data-end=\"1721\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1628\" data-end=\"1631\"\u003eCollection Egon Guenther Collection; by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1754\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1739\"\u003eLength: 66 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1756\" data-end=\"1773\"\u003eWeight:\u003cbr data-start=\"1763\" data-end=\"1766\"\u003e146 g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Esteemed Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53709434650965,"sku":"TG VBN 18","price":240.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/2353\/1861\/files\/1_e61f2b45-25dc-4bf9-8973-83d28776c62e.jpg?v=1776443336","url":"https:\/\/esteemedantiques.com\/products\/venetian-millefiori-trade-bead-necklace-with-akan-gold-weight-pendant-west-africa-ghana-glass-and-cast-brass","provider":"Esteemed Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}