Discover the unique beauty of this rare, antique Venetian "Star" millefiori trade bead. Expertly crafted in the early 1900s, this stunning bead is made using traditional Venetian glasswork techniques and is a striking example of the rich, vibrant mosaic style. Shaped meticulously into a star form with molded murrine, it closely resembles the rare beads cataloged in Picard's famous Volume VI (pg. 56, beads 1529-1532), capturing a beautiful blend of artistry and history.
Size: 17 mm x 12 mm
Condition: Very good vintage condition, with minimal air bubbles, as seen in photos.
This authentic Venetian millefiori bead was made in Venice using the intricate mosaic glass technique, where colored glass rods, or murrine, are fused and sliced to create intricate floral and star-like patterns. Such beads were highly prized in the African trade market, especially across Ghana and West Africa, where they were exchanged for goods and held deep cultural significance. Millefiori beads like this one are rare artifacts, telling the story of global trade routes and the artistry of Venetian glassmakers.
