Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass African Trade Bead

Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead

This exquisite Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead is a stunning piece of history. Crafted in Venice during the late 1800s to early 1900s, it showcases the intricate artistry and vibrant colors synonymous with antique millefiori beads. These beads were highly prized in African trade, making them both a cultural artifact and a collector’s treasure.

Specifications:

• Size: 26 mm x 10 mm

Condition:

• Condition: Very good. Lightly beveled and very lightly chipped at the ends (please see photos).

The millefiori technique, meaning "thousand flowers," involved layering and fusing colorful glass canes to create intricate floral and geometric patterns. Venetian artisans mastered this craft, producing beads that were later traded extensively across Africa. These beads held immense value, serving as currency and symbols of prestige in Ghana and other parts of the continent.

Embrace the charm of this rare bead and add a piece of global history to your collection.

Explore more from our collection: Current Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads, Old Trade Beads, Sold Millefiori Beads (Archives).