Antique Large Banded Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads Pair

Discover a stunning matching pair of large, banded antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads. Crafted with incredible precision, these beads display a striking array of colorful mosaic patterns typical of early 1900s Venetian craftsmanship. These beads were especially valued in African trade, making them a significant piece of history for collectors and artisans alike.

Size:

• 31 x 12 mm
• 33 x 12 mm

Condition:

• Very good vintage condition, with minimal chipping on the ends (please refer to photos).

Venetian artisans crafted these beads using the intricate millefiori technique, which involves layering rods of colored glass to create a vibrant, mosaic effect when sliced. These “thousand flowers” beads were highly prized in trade throughout Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they were exchanged for goods and woven into local culture as symbols of wealth and beauty. Today, millefiori trade beads are cherished worldwide for their beauty and historical significance, connecting us to a rich tradition of craftsmanship and global trade.

Explore more of TribalGH's unique collections:

• Millefiori Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads