Discover a beautiful and rare tabular red millefiori Venetian mosaic glass trade bead, a fine example of the intricate beadwork made in Venice during the early 1900s. These beads were prized in African trade, especially in regions like Ghana and West Africa, where they played an essential role in cultural exchange and craftsmanship.
Size: 14 x 14 x 7 mm
Condition: Excellent
This exceptional piece features a flat, tabular shape with vibrant red tones, accented by the iconic millefiori technique that creates mesmerizing floral and geometric patterns. These beads were handcrafted in Venice, Italy, through a labor-intensive process that layered colorful glass canes, cut into cross-sections, and fused into unique designs.
Millefiori beads like this were widely used in the African trade, with a significant presence in West African markets, including Ghana. For centuries, they were not only valuable for decoration but also used as currency, adding to their historical and cultural significance.
