Tribalgh
Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, 21 x 9 mm
Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, 21 x 9 mm
This rare and beautiful Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead is an exquisite find, dating back to the early 1900s and part of Africa’s rich trading history. The bead, featured in Picard, Volume VI, p. 74, bead 2378, exemplifies the finest craftsmanship from Venice, Italy. Made with the intricate millefiori technique, this bead is a true testament to the art of glassmaking that flourished during this era.
Each side of the bead showcases a vibrant mosaic design, crafted by layering and fusing multiple glass canes to create intricate patterns within the glass. Beads like these were highly valued in African trade and played a significant role in commerce, symbolizing wealth and beauty across various African communities.
Bead Size:
- Length: 21 mm
- Width: 9 mm
Condition:
- Excellent vintage condition with very light chipping at the ends (please refer to photos).
Venetian millefiori beads are cherished for their beauty and unique production technique. This bead was crafted through a delicate layering of colored glass rods, cut into thin slices to reveal intricate floral or geometric patterns, then carefully shaped and polished. These beads became essential in West African trade, particularly in Ghana, where they held cultural and economic significance as symbols of wealth and status. African traders exchanged these stunning glass beads for gold, ivory, and other treasures, embedding them deeply into African heritage.
Add a rare piece of history to your collection with this antique Venetian millefiori bead, an enduring relic from the vibrant trade routes of Africa.
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