Add a rare piece of history to your collection with this antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead crafted in the early 1900s. Shaped meticulously into a unique star form using intricate molded murrine, this bead mirrors the style seen in Picard’s notable collection (Volume VI, page 56, beads 1529-1532). Such star-shaped beads are increasingly rare and highly valued by collectors for their vibrant patterns and exceptional craftsmanship.
Bead Details:
Size: 18 x 12 mm
Condition: Excellent
Venetian artisans employed the ancient technique of millefiori (“thousand flowers”) to create these glass beads, carefully layering and fusing colorful glass canes to achieve intricate mosaic patterns. Originally produced in Venice, Italy, these beads played a pivotal role in the African trade, especially in regions of Ghana and West Africa, where they were valued as currency and symbols of prestige. Trade beads like this one hold cultural significance, as they traveled across continents, weaving a fascinating history of global trade and craftsmanship.
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