Antique Rare Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads Pair

This beautiful old matching pair of rare Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads embodies the rich artistry and cultural significance of early African trade. With vibrant, intricate millefiori patterns crafted in Venice, Italy, these beads are a remarkable piece of history, dating back to the early 1900s and used widely across African trade routes.

Bead Dimensions:

• Length: 34-35 mm
• Width: 13 mm

Condition:

• Very good: Lightly beveled edges and minor chips at the ends (see photos)

Venetian millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, are crafted through a meticulous glassmaking technique developed in Venice. To create the millefiori effect, artisans layered colorful canes of molten glass to produce a vibrant “thousand flowers” pattern. These exquisite beads played a crucial role in trade across Africa, particularly in regions like Ghana, where they became treasured symbols of heritage, often used in ceremonies and personal adornments.

Explore more rare millefiori beads from TribalGH's collection:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads Collection