Tribalgh
Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead – Elbow Shape
Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead – Elbow Shape
This stunning antique Venetian Millefiori elbow bead is a striking example of traditional mosaic glasswork used in the African trade in the early 1900s. Featuring a vibrant millefiori design, this bead has captivated collectors and traders alike for over a century.
Size:
- Length: 39 mm
- Width: 9-10 mm
Condition:
- Very good vintage condition
- Light chipping at the ends(visible in photos)
Each millefiori bead was meticulously crafted in Venice, Italy, using a sophisticated technique known as mosaic glasswork, where colored glass canes were fused to create intricate floral and geometric patterns. This bead exemplifies the skilled artisanship of Venetian glassmakers and their contributions to African trade, where these beads became symbols of wealth, prestige, and cultural exchange across West Africa, especially in Ghana. Venetian trade beads like this were highly valued and served as both currency and ornaments, becoming integral to African art and heritage.
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