Rare Antique Elbow Millefiori Venetian Glass Trade Bead - 38x9mm

This beautiful antique Venetian elbow millefiori trade bead is a rare and exquisite piece, highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Crafted in Venice in the early 1900s, this bead showcases the intricate mosaic design that Venetian artisans are celebrated for, featuring vibrant patterns and colors that are true to the millefiori, or "thousand flowers," technique. Referenced in Picard, Volume VI, p.35 (bead 578), this piece is a stunning representation of historic craftsmanship.

• Size: 38 x 9 mm
• Condition: Excellent, with very light chipping at one end (see photo)

Venetian millefiori beads like this one were masterfully created using a complex glasswork technique. Artisans would combine colorful glass canes into unique mosaic patterns before shaping each bead. These beads were highly valued in Africa, especially in Ghana, where they became a prominent part of trade networks and were treasured for their beauty and cultural significance. Owning this bead is like holding a piece of history, a bead that traveled continents and served as both currency and ornament.

Explore more from TribalGH’s collection of unique and antique beads:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Available Antique Trade Beads
• Archives of Sold Millefiori Beads