Rare Large Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Trade Bead – 26x13mm

Explore a beautiful and rare large antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead crafted in Venice and traded across Africa in the early 1900s. This old glass bead, known for its vibrant mosaic design, features intricate layers of color and pattern that highlight the exceptional artistry of Venetian bead makers.

• Size: 26 mm X 13 mm
• Condition: Very good condition with minor chipping at the ends (see photos for details)

Millefiori, meaning "thousand flowers" in Italian, is a centuries-old glassmaking technique perfected in Venice, producing intricate, colorful patterns resembling flower mosaics. Venetian craftsmen created these glass treasures by layering colorful rods, which were then sliced and shaped into unique beads. Known as "trade beads," these millefiori beads were exchanged widely across African markets, especially in Ghana, where they symbolized wealth and status. Today, they are cherished by collectors worldwide for their historic and artistic significance.

Explore more of our collections here:

• Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads
• Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads