Rare Antique OVAL Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads – African Trade

Discover a beautiful matching pair of rare antique OVAL Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, highly sought after for their vibrant colors and intricate designs. These Venetian trade beads date back to the early 1900s and were widely used in the African trade, particularly in Ghana and other West African regions.

• Size: 13 x 10 mm
• Condition: Excellent, with very light beveling (see photos)

The beads feature a stunning combination of millefiori (meaning "thousand flowers") and murrine techniques, showcasing colorful floral patterns encased in glass, along with trail decorations. These beads are a testament to the skilled Venetian artisans who created them using labor-intensive glassworking techniques.

Venetian millefiori beads were highly prized in the African trade, especially in Ghana, where they became symbols of wealth, status, and artistry. The exchange of these beads played an important role in cross-cultural interactions, blending the rich heritage of Venetian craftsmanship with African traditions.

Explore more from TribalGH:

• Millefiori Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archives of Sold Millefiori Beads