Antique Large Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead – African Trade Beads

Add a unique piece of history to your collection with this beautiful old large-size Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead. Created in Venice in the early 1900s, this bead showcases the masterful millefiori or "thousand flowers" technique. Venetian artisans layered intricate patterns and vibrant colors into each bead, making every piece unique. Once crafted, these beads were widely traded in Africa, symbolizing wealth and cultural exchange, especially among the communities in Ghana and beyond.

Specifications:

• Size: 16 mm x 13 mm
• Condition: Excellent condition (lightly chipped; see photos)

This mosaic glass bead’s rich history and rare design reflect the artistry of Venetian craftsmen and the value placed on these beads in African trade. Millefiori trade beads, known for their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, were highly sought after across African markets, where they became more than just ornaments-they were symbols of wealth, status, and cultural heritage. Each bead was made by layering glass to create complex mosaic patterns that are as captivating as they are rare.

Explore more in TribalGH's collections:

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