Add a piece of history to your collection with this rare and beautiful Venetian elbow millefiori mosaic glass trade bead. Crafted in Venice in the early 1900s, this multimurrine bead features a unique trail decoration that exemplifies the artistry and skill of Italian glassmakers. Millefiori, or "thousand flowers," is a traditional glasswork technique that creates intricate, colorful patterns, each bead telling a story of craftsmanship and cultural exchange.
Size:
Length: 36 mm
Width: 11 mm
Condition:
Excellent condition – no chips or visible cracks; see photos for details.
This bead is part of a longstanding tradition of Venetian bead-making, known for its vibrant mosaics and detailed motifs. Millefiori beads were highly prized in West Africa, especially in regions like Ghana, where they were traded for gold, goods, and other valuable resources. Over time, they became symbols of status and beauty, treasured by African communities for their rarity and color.
These beads reflect the remarkable journey of trade, culture, and artistry that connected Europe and Africa. Each Venetian trade bead is a symbol of global exchange, artistry, and resilience that remains highly valued by collectors worldwide.
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