Rare Antique Red Venetian Millefiori Glass Trade Beads, 12mm

Presenting a stunning matching pair of rare antique Venetian millefiori trade beads in a rich red mosaic pattern. These historic beads, featured in Picard’s Volume VI (p. 51, strand 10), represent the elegance and craftsmanship of Venetian glass artisans from the early 1900s, cherished within African trade networks.

• Size: 12 mm x 12 mm
• Condition: Very good, with a few tiny air bubbles and slight beveling; refer to photos for details.

Handcrafted in Venice, these exquisite mosaic beads were fashioned using the renowned millefiori technique, where layers of colored glass rods are fused, sliced, and molded to create intricate floral and geometric designs. Known for their durability and beauty, millefiori beads became prized trade items, particularly in West Africa, where they symbolized wealth and status. African artisans and traders incorporated these vibrant beads into cultural jewelry, making them lasting icons of exchange between Africa and Europe.

Explore more in our collections:

• Millefiori Beads Collection
• Trade Beads Collection
• Millefiori Beads Archives