Rare Antique Round Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Beads 15x13mm, African Trade

Presenting a stunning, rare pair of antique Venetian round millefiori beads from the early 1900s. These exquisite mosaic glass trade beads showcase intricate murrine and trail decorations, exemplifying the skillful craftsmanship of Venice's renowned glassmakers. Their vibrant, detailed designs made these beads highly valued in the African trade, where they became sought-after symbols of beauty and prestige.

• Size of Beads: 15 x 13 mm
• Condition: Excellent overall, with a minor beveled edge on one bead, as visible in photos

Each bead is crafted using the millefiori technique, a painstaking process in which colorful glass rods (murrine) are layered, molded, and fused to create vibrant floral and geometric patterns. Venetian artisans perfected this mosaic art form, creating beads that were admired and collected across continents. Venetian millefiori beads like these were integral to the African trade, where they held significant value as currency and symbols of status in countries such as Ghana and throughout West Africa.

Explore more of our unique collection at TribalGH:

• Millefiori Beads Collection
• Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads