Antique Banded Millefiori Venetian Glass Trade Beads – African Mosaic

Add a piece of history to your collection with these five beautiful antique Venetian millefiori glass trade beads. Known for their distinctive banded design, each bead showcases the craftsmanship of early 1900s Venetian artisans. Originally crafted in Venice, these glass beads were used in African trade, making them valuable cultural artifacts and collectible items.

Specifications:

• Quantity: 5 beads
• Length: 14-15 mm
• Diameter: 8 mm

Condition:

• Very good vintage condition (very light chipping at the ends; please refer to photos for details)

The complex technique behind Venetian millefiori, or "thousand flowers" glasswork, involved layering colored rods of glass, which artisans sliced and embedded into a clear glass matrix. This labor-intensive method yielded vibrant, mosaic-style beads treasured across Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they became central to the local trade economy. Millefiori trade beads, revered for their bright patterns and unique styles, hold a special place in African art and heritage.

Explore more millefiori treasures at TribalGH:

• Millefiori Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archives – Sold Millefiori Beads