Antique Large Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Beads, Rare African Trade Pair

Add a stunning piece of history to your collection with this rare matching pair of large Venetian Millefiori mosaic trade beads. These beautiful antique beads, originating from the famed glassmakers of Venice, Italy, are distinguished by their vibrant, detailed mosaic patterns that have stood the test of time. They were created specifically for the African trade, circulating between the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Dimensions:

• Length: 25 mm
• Diameter: 12 mm

Condition:

• Excellent vintage condition with minor chipping at the ends (refer to photos for detail).

These millefiori beads showcase a technique where small slices of colored glass canes, known as murrine, are fused to create intricate, multicolored designs—hence the name "millefiori," meaning "a thousand flowers." Such beads were highly valued in West Africa, where they played a vital role in trade and cultural exchanges, especially in regions like Ghana. Millefiori beads remain treasured for their artistry and the stories they carry, reflecting centuries of cultural and artistic heritage.

Explore our full collection for more antique millefiori mosaic glass beads currently available for sale. Discover additional rare trade beads, or view previously sold millefiori beads in our Archives.