Rare Large Antique Elbow Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Trade Bead – African Trade

Discover the beauty and cultural heritage of this rare, antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead. Known as an “elbow” bead for its curved shape, this unique piece is referenced in Picard, Volume VI, p.38, bead 698. Crafted in Venice, Italy, in the early 1900s, this mosaic glass bead was created using the millefiori technique, which layers vibrant glass canes into stunning floral and geometric designs. These intricate details have made Venetian millefiori beads highly sought after in the African trade.

Size:

• Length: 58 mm
• Width: 11 mm

Condition:

• Good, with minor chipping at the end (see photos)

Venetian millefiori beads are celebrated not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their historical role in African trade, particularly in West Africa. Highly prized by communities in Ghana and throughout Africa, these glass beads served as symbols of wealth, social status, and cultural identity. The labor-intensive millefiori process involves layering multiple colored glass canes, which are then cross-sectioned to reveal intricate, mosaic-like patterns. Each bead is truly one of a kind, preserving the remarkable artistry of Venetian glassmakers and the cultural importance of trade beads.

For more incredible finds, explore our collections:

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