Rare Antique Elbow Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead - 41mm

This rare antique Venetian Millefiori mosaic glass trade bead is an exceptional find for collectors and jewelry makers alike. Known for its vibrant mosaic patterns and unique elbow shape, this bead is a testament to the craftsmanship of early 1900s Venetian artisans. Millefiori beads like this one played an important role in the African trade, with these intricate beads traveling from Venice to West Africa, where they became highly valued.

Each bead tells a story of culture and craftsmanship, with individual colors and patterns meticulously arranged to form the stunning millefiori, or "thousand flowers," effect.

Specifications:

• Size: 41mm x 9mm
• Condition: Very good; very light chipping at the ends (please see photos)

Venetian artisans crafted these beads using a labor-intensive technique involving layering and slicing glass canes, creating complex floral and geometric patterns. Known as "trade beads," these Venetian treasures became popular in regions like Ghana and across West Africa, where they held both cultural and economic value, often exchanged as symbols of wealth, status, and heritage.

Discover more Venetian and African trade beads in TribalGH's unique collections:

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