Presenting three rare and beautiful antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, crafted in Venice and traded across Africa in the late 1800s to early 1900s. These exquisite beads feature intricate murrine with trail decoration, showcasing the exceptional skill of Venetian artisans.
Size: Approx. 19 mm in length and 11 mm in diameter.
Condition: Good condition with minor decoration loss and very light chipping (please see photos).
Millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, were meticulously handcrafted in Venice using layers of colored glass canes, which were then sliced and arranged to create detailed patterns resembling flowers (hence the name "millefiori," meaning "a thousand flowers" in Italian). These beads played a significant role in African trade, particularly in Ghana, where they became valuable symbols of wealth and status. Today, they are prized by collectors worldwide for their beauty and historical significance.
Explore our full collection of antique millefiori beads currently available for sale, browse our trade beads collection, or discover previously sold pieces in our archives.
