Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Beads, African Trade Beads

Presenting a beautiful matching pair of rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, made with exceptional artistry and preserved from the early 1900s. These beads are referenced in Picard’s Volume VI (p. 40, bead 746), a true testament to their uniqueness and historical significance. Crafted in Venice, these stunning beads showcase the delicate millefiori technique, bringing together an intricate mosaic of colors and patterns that has captivated collectors for generations.

• Size: 24-25 mm x 11 mm

• Condition: Very good; lightly beveled with very slight chipping at the ends, adding character without compromising beauty.

These millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, were originally crafted in Venice and traveled far, becoming significant trade beads within African markets, especially in regions like Ghana. Millefiori beads are cherished across generations for their intricate glasswork, blending colored glass rods (or “murrine”) to create eye-catching designs. These antique beads hold a special place in history, symbolizing both Venetian glass mastery and their role in African trade culture.

Explore more unique and authentic beads from our collection at TribalGH:

• Millefiori Beads Collection
• Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads