Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Trade Beads Pair, 16x9mm

Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads - Matching Pair

Discover a beautiful, matching pair of rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads with intricate molded murrine and trail decorations. These unique beads, as referenced in Picard, Volume VI, p.52, bead 1336, showcase exceptional craftsmanship that captures the elegance and history of the early 1900s African trade. Perfect for collectors and bead enthusiasts alike, this matching pair brings an authentic touch of old-world charm to any collection.

• Size: 16 x 9 mm

• Condition: Very good; lightly beveled with one bead having a hairline crack that does not impact the bead’s strength (see photos).

These antique Venetian millefiori beads were crafted in Venice, Italy, through an intricate glassmaking technique known as mosaic millefiori, where layers of colored glass rods, or “murrine,” are fused and molded to form beautiful floral and geometric patterns. Used extensively in the African trade in the early 1900s, Venetian trade beads played a pivotal role in commerce, particularly in Ghana and across Africa. Highly valued for their vibrant beauty and cultural significance, these mosaic beads became symbols of wealth, heritage, and artistry.

Explore our full collection for more antique Venetian millefiori beads and rare African trade treasures:

• Current Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads Collection
• Current Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads Collection