Antique Venetian Millefiori Trade Beads Pair – 15x8mm Mosaic Glass

This beautiful matching pair of antique Venetian millefiori trade beads is a rare find, showcasing the intricate mosaic (murrine) and trail decoration that defines classic millefiori craftsmanship. Each bead in this pair measures 15x8 mm and carries the distinctive Venetian design used in African trade during the early 1900s. This collectible pair is referenced in Picard's authoritative guide, Volume VI, p.52, bead 1336.

The beads feature a striking, colorful pattern with tiny air bubbles and a slightly beveled surface, adding to their character and authenticity.

Details:

• Size: 15x8 mm
• Condition: Very good (lightly beveled, with few tiny air bubbles visible)

Each bead is a testament to the skillful craftsmanship of Venice's glass artisans, who perfected the millefiori technique in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Millefiori, meaning "thousand flowers," refers to the delicate layering of colored glass rods (murrine) that form intricate floral or geometric designs. These Venetian mosaic beads became iconic as African trade beads, valued for their beauty and used as currency and cultural symbols across Ghana and other parts of Africa.

Explore more unique millefiori beads in the TribalGH collection:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archive