Tribalgh

Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads, African Trade Beads

These stunning antique Venetian Millefiori mosaic glass trade beads are a rare find, known for their vibrant design and remarkable quality. Originating from Venice in the early 1900s, these beads are part of African trade history, celebrated for their intricate patterns and rich colors.

Size: Each bead measures approximately 11-12 mm in length and 7 mm in diameter.

Condition: Very good vintage condition with light bevelling. Please refer to photos for details.

These Millefiori beads - also called mosaic beads - were carefully crafted through a painstaking glassmaking process perfected in Venice, Italy. The Millefiori technique, which translates to "a thousand flowers," involves layering and fusing colorful glass canes to create beautiful floral and geometric patterns. Once completed, these beads traveled far, becoming treasured trade beads in Ghana and throughout Africa, where they were prized for their aesthetic and cultural significance.

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