Antique Small Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads - African Trade

Presenting a collection of five exquisite antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads from the early 1900s, renowned for their use in the African trade. Each bead in this set is a beautiful example of traditional Venetian craftsmanship, featuring intricate floral designs that create a vivid, eye-catching mosaic effect.

• Size: 12 mm x 7 mm

• Condition: Very good, with minimal chipping on the ends (see photos).

These Venetian millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, were meticulously crafted using a specialized glasswork technique developed in Venice, Italy. The millefiori process involves layering colorful glass canes to form intricate patterns that resemble tiny flowers and shapes. These beads not only served as symbols of beauty but also as valuable items of exchange, particularly within West Africa. Their vibrant patterns and small size made them ideal trade beads, bringing unique value and beauty to the cultural exchanges between Europe and Africa.

Explore more of our unique collections here:

• Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Trade Beads