Discover the allure of this rare, large Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead, a vibrant piece of history and craftsmanship. Made in Venice in the early 1900s, this bead is an excellent example of the mosaic art that originated in Murano, renowned for its intricate floral and geometric patterns. Millefiori beads, also known as “thousand flowers,” were crafted with meticulous attention to detail, with each flower-like pattern embedded in the glass.
Size: 37x12 mm
Condition: Very good (lightly chipped at the ends; see photos)
Venetian millefiori beads were a significant part of the African trade, particularly valued in regions like Ghana, where they were often traded for gold, textiles, and other local goods. The Venetian artisans’ unique technique involved layering colored glass rods to create intricate floral mosaics, which were then sliced and applied to form the bead’s stunning, colorful surface. This labor-intensive process made each bead truly one-of-a-kind and highly prized by collectors worldwide.
