Rare Rectangular Antique Venetian Millefiori Glass Trade Beads

Elevate your collection with this beautiful, old, and rare matching pair of rectangular Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads. These antique treasures were crafted in Venice, Italy, and played a significant role in the African trade during the early 1900s. Each bead showcases intricate mosaic artistry, reflecting the skill and precision of traditional Venetian glassmakers.

Sizes:

• Length: 15 mm
• Width: 8 mm
• Depth: 8 mm

Condition:

• Very good vintage condition
• Lightly beveled edges
• Very minor chipping at the ends (see photos)

These millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, were meticulously crafted using the age-old glassmaking technique perfected in Venice. The process involved layering colorful canes of glass to create a stunning floral or geometric pattern, then slicing the canes into thin pieces to form the iconic mosaic designs.

Highly sought after, millefiori beads became integral to African trade, particularly in Ghana and West Africa, where they were valued for their beauty and cultural significance. Their use in trade forged connections and held symbolic meanings within various communities, making them prized collectibles today.

Explore more unique Venetian millefiori beads and antique African trade beads by visiting our collections:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archive