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Rare Antique Venetian Elbow Millefiori Mosaic Trade Bead, African Trade
Rare Antique Venetian Elbow Millefiori Mosaic Trade Bead, African Trade
Enhance your collection with this rare, antique Venetian elbow-shaped millefiori mosaic bead, a stunning example of early 1900s African trade beads. Renowned for their intricate craftsmanship, these beads were created in Venice and served as treasured trade items in West Africa, particularly Ghana, where they hold cultural and historical importance.
This mosaic millefiori bead boasts a unique elbow form, richly patterned in Venetian glasswork, making it a remarkable piece for collectors or jewelry designers seeking authentic, vintage charm.
Specifications:
- Size: 41 x 9 mm
- Condition: Very good, with minimal chipping at the ends (see photos)
About Venetian Millefiori Technique:
Crafted in Venice, Italy, these millefiori, or "thousand flowers" beads, were meticulously created by layering colored glass canes to form striking floral and geometric patterns. Venetian artisans perfected this intricate technique, producing beads that are both durable and exquisitely detailed. Millefiori beads became popular in Africa, especially in Ghana, where they were prized for their vibrant colors and symbolism in trade and social ceremonies. They are now highly collectible as unique markers of cultural exchange and artistry.
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