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Rare Antique Large Elbow Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead – African Trade
Rare Antique Large Elbow Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead – African Trade
Introducing a rare, antique Venetian elbow millefiori mosaic glass trade bead crafted in Venice in the early 1900s. This remarkable bead boasts a unique multimurrine design with intricate trail decoration, capturing the rich artistry and detail for which these Italian mosaic beads are known. Featured in Picard’s Volume VI (p.37, bead 668), this piece is a true collector's item, valued for its historical significance and stunning craftsmanship.
- Size: 55 x 14 mm
- Condition: Very good, with minor chipping at the ends (see photos for details)
Venetian millefiori beads like this one were meticulously handmade using a centuries-old technique in Murano, where artisans layered glass rods of various colors to create vibrant, flower-like patterns within each bead. This intricate process involved heating and stretching the glass to create unique mosaic designs, making each bead a work of art. Originally produced for trade in Ghana and other parts of Africa, these beads played a significant role in African cultural exchange and economy, serving as both currency and status symbols.
Today, these antique glass trade beads are treasured collectibles that represent the rich history of cross-cultural trade and artistry between Venice and Africa.
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