Tribalgh
Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Trade Beads – 16mm African Glass Pair
Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Trade Beads – 16mm African Glass Pair
Explore this beautiful, matching pair of rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic trade beads, crafted meticulously in Venice and once exchanged across Africa in the early 1900s. Known for their vibrant multi-murrine designs and rich history, these beads exemplify Venetian artistry in beadmaking, showcasing intricate mosaic patterns with colorful glass segments that capture light in mesmerizing ways. Their size and vibrant hues make them ideal for collectors and jewelry artisans seeking genuine, historical beads.
Bead Size:
- Diameter: 16 mm
- Thickness: 9 mm
Condition:
- Very good condition
- Some natural air bubbles present
- Lightly beveled edges
These antique millefiori beads were handcrafted in Venice using the millefiori technique, in which small glass canes (or murrine) with layered designs are fused and sliced to create stunning, colorful patterns. Venetian artisans originally developed this method in the 1800s, making these beads both culturally significant and visually captivating. Such beads played an important role in trade across West Africa, especially in Ghana, where they were exchanged as valued items and often became symbols of social status, heritage, and craftsmanship.
Explore more in our Millefiori Collection and Trade Beads Collection, or visit our Archives for sold-out treasures.
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