This beautiful and rare antique Venetian millefiori glass trade bead is a remarkable example of the traditional star-shaped designs highly valued in African trade. Crafted in Venice in the early 1900s, this bead features a unique star pattern, made with molded murrine and meticulously shaped into a bold, geometric form. Referencing the style found in Picard Volume VI (beads 1529–1532), this bead is a timeless example of mosaic glass artistry.
Size: 18 x 13 mm
Condition: Very good, with minor air bubbles (see photos)
Venetian millefiori, or “thousand flowers” beads, were masterfully created by layering molten glass to achieve colorful, mosaic-like patterns. After shaping and cooling, these beads became a key element in African trade, especially cherished in Ghana and other regions of West Africa. The intricate star design and quality of this bead highlight its historical significance and enduring beauty in traditional African adornment.
