Explore this beautiful, rare, and antique Venetian red elbow Millefiori bead with exquisite aventurine accents—a true masterpiece from the early 1900s. Venetian artisans crafted this bead using the millefiori technique, known for its intricate and colorful mosaic glass patterns, creating a vibrant piece rich in history and artistry.
The bead showcases a captivating red hue, accentuated by the sparkling addition of aventurine, lending it a distinct charm highly sought after by collectors. Millefiori beads like this one were treasured and traded across Africa, particularly prized in Ghana and other regions, where they symbolized wealth and cultural exchange.
Size:
Length: 58 mm
Diameter: 14 mm
Condition:
Excellent antique condition (note: slight chipping on one end; see photos 1, 2, 4, and 5 for details)
Venetian glassmakers perfected the art of millefiori ("a thousand flowers") in Venice, Italy, during the 1800s and early 1900s. By meticulously layering and fusing glass canes, they created the iconic flower-like designs that give each bead its unique appearance. These beads were significant in African trade, notably in West Africa, where they became cherished symbols of wealth and cultural identity, adding value and beauty to trade interactions across regions.
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