Rare Large Antique Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead – African Trade

Own a piece of history with this rare, large-size antique Venetian Millefiori mosaic glass trade bead, crafted in Venice, Italy, during the early 1900s. These vibrant beads played a significant role in African trade, prized for their intricate craftsmanship and beauty. This bead features colorful patterns that highlight the intricate "mosaic" technique used by Venetian artisans.

• Size: 22mm x 12mm
• Condition: Very good with minor chipping at the ends (refer to photos).

Venetian Millefiori beads are created by fusing layers of multicolored glass canes, which are then shaped and polished to form intricate mosaic patterns. These labor-intensive techniques reflect the exceptional artistry of Venetian glassmakers. Millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, hold great cultural and historical significance in African trade, especially in Ghana, where they were highly valued as symbols of wealth and status.

Explore more treasures in our curated collections:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Browse Antique Trade Beads
• Archived Millefiori Beads