of Venetian beads from the late 1800's - early 1900's. Need a better image, close-up of a few of these with better exposure to be sure.
Okay, will have it taken closer.
I don't really see anything 'wrong' with the beads you posted. They look Venetian to me. I think the black Zen beads often are made quite roughly, and have uneven eyes and sizes.
Same goes for the millefiori beads. Don't see why they would be reproductions.
Rosanna has handled more Venetian beads than me.....perhaps I am not suspicious enough?
More thoughts, anyone?
Here is a picture of Venetian beads from the late 1800's to early 1900's. This pattern goes by various names - "Zen" or "Number 6".
The workmanship on your beads appears to be different - less precision and more variation on the squiggles.
The millefiori cylinders also do not appear to be Venetian.
Where did you get these beads? I think they are reproductions, dirtied up to look older. But, I would have to inspect them in person to be sure.
Note: The bead on the top right is quite different from the Zen beads. It is broken on one end and the broken surfaces are worn smooth. I initially thought it was a molded bead, but the perforation does not go through the centerline of the bead. Any comments on this one would be welcomed!
They look to be 19th century Venetian to me, just not great examples. They are often times called "Trail" beads out west. Most people refer to them as Zen beads though.
To me, these appear to be bad images of typical Venetian beads from the W. African trade, irregular quality "Zens". Perhaps the "culls" from a larger group. Because of the image quality, I really would have to handle the beads "in person" to be sure.
