Tribalgh
Rare Antique Large Millefiori Mosaic Trade Beads – Venetian Glass Pair
Rare Antique Large Millefiori Mosaic Trade Beads – Venetian Glass Pair
Add a remarkable piece of history to your collection with this stunning matching pair of antique Venetian millefiori mosaic trade beads. Crafted in the early 1900s, these beads showcase the intricate beauty and expert craftsmanship of Venetian glass art, which played a significant role in African trade.
Each bead in this rare pair boasts a vibrant mosaic design, characteristic of millefiori glasswork. The beads were crafted with precision in Venice, Italy, using a technique that layers colorful canes of glass to form intricate floral and geometric patterns within the bead, creating a timeless work of art.
Bead Specifications:
- Length: 27-28 mm
- Diameter: 12 mm
Condition:
- Very good vintage condition (light chipping at ends; see photos for details)
These beads are part of the rich tradition of African trade beads, brought by European traders to West Africa. Such beads were cherished for their beauty and rarity, and they hold deep historical and cultural significance in regions like Ghana, where they were symbols of wealth and social status. Venetian artisans perfected the millefiori ("thousand flowers") technique, creating these mosaic beads, which remain treasured artifacts in African trade bead collections worldwide.
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