This beautiful and rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic trade bead showcases a distinct surfboard-like shape, crafted in the early 1900s with Venetian artistry. This tabular glass bead is a superb example of African trade beads, revered for their intricate patterns and unique shapes. Created with the millefiori (meaning "thousand flowers") technique, each bead embodies a colorful mosaic effect that makes it a collector’s gem.
Bead Size:
Length: 36 mm
Width: 11 mm
Depth: 8 mm
Condition:
Very Good: Light chipping at ends (see photos).
Venetian artisans used the ancient millefiori technique, where layered canes of glass were fused and sliced, revealing intricate, flower-like patterns. These stunning beads were highly valued and used as trade items in Africa, especially in Ghana, where they became integral to cultural and economic exchanges. Each bead tells a story of global trade and artistry, linking Venetian craftsmanship with African heritage.
Explore more of TribalGH’s unique millefiori beads:
