Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads, Rare Matching Pair

Discover an exceptional matching pair of antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, celebrated for their rare and stunning artistry. These beads were meticulously handcrafted in Venice in the early 1900s, crafted with a unique millefiori technique that has delighted collectors for centuries. This pair is featured in Picard, Volume VI, p.40, bead 746—a testament to their rarity and value.

Bead Sizes:

• 24 x 11 mm
• 25 x 11 mm

Condition:

• Very good condition
• Lightly beveled with minor chipping on the ends

These millefiori, or "thousand flower" beads, showcase the artistry of Venetian glassmakers, who created intricate patterns in each bead by layering glass canes with vibrant colors, then slicing them into thin mosaics. Such beads held immense cultural value in the African trade, particularly in Ghana and other regions, where they symbolized wealth and tradition. As a result, these beads have played a significant role in African culture, carrying stories from one continent to another.

Add this exquisite pair to your collection or jewelry design for a timeless piece of history.

Explore more Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads, view our Old Trade Beads Collection, or visit the Archives of Sold Millefiori Beads at TribalGH.