Antique Large Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass African Trade Bead, 30mm

Presenting an exquisite, rare old large millefiori Venetian mosaic glass trade bead crafted in Venice, Italy and used extensively in the African trade during the early 1900s. This unique bead boasts vibrant millefiori ("thousand flowers") designs, with striking colors embedded in a classic mosaic style. A testament to the beauty of antique glass craftsmanship, this bead would be a prized addition for any collector or jewelry artisan inspired by African history and Venetian artistry.

Size:

• Length: 30 mm
• Width: 10 mm

Condition:

• Very good condition with light beveling and minor chipping at the ends (please see photos for details).

Each Venetian millefiori bead was meticulously handmade through a mosaic glasswork technique perfected in Venice, where artisans layered and fused colorful canes of glass to create stunning floral or geometric patterns. These intricate beads held significant value in West Africa, especially in Ghana, where they became cherished symbols of wealth and status. Known today as African trade beads, they continue to be celebrated for their cultural and artistic significance, blending Italian glassmaking mastery with African heritage.

Explore more from TribalGH:

• Current Collection of Millefiori Beads
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads