Antique Large Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads, 31x13mm Pair

Presenting a beautifully matched pair of antique Venetian Millefiori mosaic glass trade beads from the early 1900s, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of African trade beads. These exquisite beads showcase the timeless Venetian art of millefiori, or "thousand flowers," a mosaic technique that produces vibrant and intricate floral patterns. Used in the African trade, they have withstood time while retaining their unique charm.

• Size of each bead: 31 x 13 mm
• Condition: Very good; lightly beveled and very lightly chipped at the ends (see photos for details)

The art of creating millefiori beads originated in Venice, Italy, where skilled artisans layered glass canes to form intricate flower-like designs. Each bead was individually crafted, a time-consuming process that highlights the skill and precision of Venetian glassmakers. These mosaic beads were then traded across Africa, particularly in Ghana and other West African regions, where they were revered as symbols of wealth, status, and cultural heritage.

Explore more in our curated collections of antique trade beads and millefiori beads:

• Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Mosaic Trade Beads