exceptional polychrome antique african / italian trade bead necklace.
purchased in the 1980s from renowned african art dealer, douglas dawson,of chicago.
a multiplicity of blown & cast glass trade beads, likely originating in murano italy, acenter of glass production for centuries. [although the bohemians were on par withitaly for glass manufacturing.]
wedding beads and many others make up this ample necklace, which can itselfbe broken down into other forms of jewelry, there are so many beads.
practically every color of the rainbow is represented. and several of thebeads are themselves polychrome.
fifty beads make up this strand.
some of the beads show wear and/or vestigial dirt from use. this aspectonly adds character to this piece.
questions welcome!
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