Rare Antique Venetian Elbow Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, 37x10mm

Discover a stunning antique Venetian elbow-shaped millefiori glass trade bead, a rare and cherished piece in African trade history. This exquisite bead, featured in Picard, Volume VI, p.36, bead 597, is crafted with the vibrant, intricate millefiori technique, dating back to the early 1900s. Millefiori, meaning “a thousand flowers” in Italian, gives each bead a unique mosaic floral design.

This bead has a captivating presence, making it a valuable addition to any collection. Its classic Venetian craftsmanship showcases timeless beauty and historical significance, celebrated by collectors around the world.

Size:

• Length: 37 mm
• Diameter: 10 mm

Condition:

• Very Good Condition (lightly chipped at the ends; please refer to photos)

Millefiori mosaic beads were masterfully handcrafted in Venice, Italy, where artisans layered colorful glass rods to achieve intricate floral patterns within the beads. These Venetian beads became prized in West African trade, especially in Ghana, where they held symbolic, cultural, and monetary value. As trade beads, they are a significant part of African heritage, carrying stories of connection, artistry, and exchange.

Explore More:

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