Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads, Early 1900s, 11-12mm

These five antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads are a stunning example of early 1900s bead artistry. Created with the meticulous craftsmanship Venice is renowned for, these matching beads were specifically designed for the African trade market. Each bead in this set showcases the unique, vibrant millefiori mosaic pattern-a captivating, timeless design highly sought by collectors and enthusiasts.

• Bead Length: 11-12 mm
• Bead Diameter: 7 mm

• Condition: Very good, with light beveling and minimal chipping at the ends (please see photos).

Venetian millefiori, meaning "thousand flowers," is a mosaic glasswork technique perfected in Venice, Italy, where skilled artisans layered vibrant glass rods to form intricate floral and geometric patterns. These glass canes were then fused together and sliced to reveal beautiful, multicolored designs in each bead.

Highly valued by traders, Venetian millefiori beads like these traveled to Africa in the early 1900s, where they played an important role in trade, communication, and cultural exchange. These antique beads continue to carry the legacy of Venetian craftsmanship and African history, making them cherished pieces for any collection.

Explore more from TribalGH:

• Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archive