Tribalgh
Rare Large Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Trade Bead 40x12mm
Rare Large Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Trade Bead 40x12mm
Discover a beautiful and rare find: this large antique Venetian Millefiori mosaic glass trade bead embodies the artistry and history of early 1900s Venetian craftsmanship. Known for their intricate designs, these beads were highly valued across African trade routes. This unique piece showcases vivid mosaic patterns, crafted through the ancient Venetian technique of layering vibrant colored glass canes, resulting in intricate floral and geometric designs preserved through time.
- Size: 40 mm x 12 mm
- Condition: Very good, with lightly beveled ends and minimal chipping
Created in Venice, Italy, this millefiori bead was meticulously crafted by fusing glass canes and slicing them into individual “mosaic” beads. Millefiori beads, meaning "a thousand flowers" in Italian, became prominent in the African trade, cherished as currency and symbols of status across West African cultures, including Ghana. Today, these beads represent not only a fine art form but a piece of African history, embodying the cultural exchanges between Venice and African communities.
Enhance your collection with this rare, large Venetian trade bead—a timeless piece with stories woven into every facet.
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