Antique Venetian Elbow Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, 45x11mm

Discover the beauty of this rare antique Venetian elbow millefiori mosaic glass trade bead, a piece that brings history and artistry together. Dating back to the early 1900s, this Venetian bead was crafted using the millefiori technique, a time-honored method perfected by Venetian artisans to create intricate, colorful mosaic patterns in glass. Such beads were a prized item in African trade, especially valued across West Africa.

Bead Size:

• Length: 45 mm
• Width: 11 mm

Condition:

• Very good vintage condition with minor chipping at the ends (see photos for details).

This unique bead exemplifies the artistry of Venice, where millefiori (meaning "a thousand flowers") techniques were carefully refined to create glass designs that mimic delicate floral patterns. Venetian beads like these, crafted and exported to African markets, played an essential role in trade and cultural exchange, especially in regions like Ghana. These beads not only served as currency but also held great cultural and decorative significance.

Enhance your collection with a bead that embodies both exquisite craftsmanship and a piece of African trade history.

Explore more at TribalGH:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archive