Tribalgh
Rare Antique Elbow Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Trade Bead – 40 x 9mm
Rare Antique Elbow Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Trade Bead – 40 x 9mm
Presenting a rare, antique Venetian elbow-shaped millefiori mosaic trade bead, a captivating piece of history crafted with intricate detail and vibrant color patterns. This Venetian glass bead, made in the early 1900s, is part of a treasured legacy of African trade beads, valued by collectors and enthusiasts for its beauty and rarity.
This particular bead is characterized by its elongated, slightly curved "elbow" shape, and displays a mesmerizing millefiori mosaic, with brilliant colors and stunning detail that reflect the mastery of Venetian glassmakers.
Specifications:
- Size: 40 x 9 mm
- Condition: Very good condition with very light chipping at the ends (see photos for details)
Venetian millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, were crafted through an intricate technique developed in Venice, Italy. Using molten glass, artisans combined small slices of colored glass canes into intricate patterns that resemble tiny "flowers" or mosaics. These beautiful beads held significant cultural and economic value in African markets, particularly in West Africa, where they were traded for various goods and played a prominent role in the histories of trade and exchange with Ghana and beyond. Each bead tells a story, woven into the rich tapestry of African trade.
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