This beautiful matching pair of rare, old Venetian millefiori mosaic trade beads showcases the artistry of early 1900s bead-making. Expertly crafted in Venice, Italy, these rectangular millefiori beads feature intricate glasswork and vibrant mosaic patterns, exemplifying the enduring beauty and unique cultural value of Venetian trade beads in Africa.
Size:
Bead 1: 20 mm x 10 mm x 9 mm
Bead 2: 21 mm x 9 mm x 8 mm
Condition:
Excellent – minimal signs of wear, with well-preserved colors and patterns.
These antique beads hold significant historical value, having been widely traded across Africa, particularly in Ghana and West Africa, where they were revered for their vivid beauty and became symbols of prestige. Millefiori beads were crafted through a complex glass-melting process, where multiple layers of colored glass canes were fused to create a stunning "thousand flowers" effect, giving each bead its mosaic appearance. Venetian artisans meticulously crafted these beads, making them highly prized items in African trade.
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