Rare Antique Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Beads - African Trade Beads

Add a remarkable piece of history to your collection with this beautiful matching pair of rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic beads. These glass trade beads, crafted in Venice and traded throughout Africa, are highly sought after for their intricate design and vibrant colors.

Bead Size:

• Length: 23-24 mm
• Width: 10 mm

Condition:

• Very good vintage condition
• Lightly beveled and very lightly chipped at the ends (see photos for details)

These beads date back to the late 1800s to early 1900s, making them a cherished relic of the Venetian bead-making tradition and a significant part of African trade history. Carefully crafted through the ancient millefiori (meaning "thousand flowers") technique in Venice, these mosaic beads showcase intricate glass canes fused together to create exquisite, unique patterns. Such beads were transported across the Mediterranean and used as trade currency in various African cultures, especially in Ghana, where they symbolized wealth and prestige.

Bring a touch of history, art, and culture to your collection with these rare and beautifully preserved millefiori beads.

Explore more in our curated collections:

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