Antique Large Venetian Elbow Millefiori Trade Bead - 55x16mm

This stunning antique Venetian elbow millefiori trade bead is a rare, large example of early 1900s Venetian craftsmanship. Known as mosaic glass trade beads, these exquisite pieces were traditionally handmade in Venice and are famed for their intricate multicolor murrine (mosaic patterns) and trail decorations that bring a unique vibrancy to each bead. The bead has a notable reference in bead literature (Picard, Volume VI, p.37, bead 668), highlighting its historical significance in the collectible world of African trade beads.

This particular piece is an exceptional find for collectors, featuring a complex multimurrine pattern interwoven with delicate trails, showcasing the time-honored Venetian artistry that has captivated enthusiasts for generations.

Specifications:

• Size: 55mm x 16mm
• Condition: Very good, with minimal chipping at the ends (visible in photos)

Crafted by master artisans in Venice, this millefiori bead was once an essential part of the African trade networks, prized by communities across Ghana and West Africa. Millefiori, meaning "thousand flowers," is a traditional glass-making technique involving the fusion of multiple glass rods or canes into a mosaic pattern. As these beads made their way into African markets, they became symbols of wealth and status, cherished for their intricate design and enduring beauty.

Explore more of TribalGH's stunning bead collections:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archive