Tribalgh
Rare Antique Venetian Banded Multimurrine Millefiori Glass Trade Beads
Rare Antique Venetian Banded Multimurrine Millefiori Glass Trade Beads
Discover a set of four rare antique Venetian banded multimurrine millefiori mosaic glass trade beads crafted in the early 1900s. These beads showcase the intricate artistry of Venetian glassmakers, prized in African trade for their vibrant mosaic patterns and exquisite craftsmanship. Each bead features a unique banded, multicolored design, capturing the essence of Venetian millefiori tradition.
These beads are in very good condition, with only minor bevelling and light chipping at the ends that add a touch of vintage charm.
Bead Size:
- Diameter: 12-13 mm
- Width: 10-11 mm
Condition:
- Lightly beveled with very minor chipping on ends
Handcrafted in Venice, Italy, these "mosaic" or "millefiori" beads are formed by combining layers of colored glass into patterns that resemble tiny, blooming flowers-known as the "thousand flowers" technique. Once meticulously shaped and polished, these beads traveled from Europe to West Africa, where they were highly valued in Ghana and across Africa as symbols of wealth and social status.
Trade beads like these played a pivotal role in African history, as Venetian millefiori beads became a treasured currency, exchanged for goods and services. Their unique craftsmanship and storied past make them coveted items for collectors worldwide.
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