Rare Antique Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Glass Trade Beads, African Pair

Discover a matching pair of rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, crafted in Venice in the early 1900s. Known for their vibrant mosaic patterns, these glass beads were once highly valued in the African trade. Each bead in this pair is expertly hand-crafted, capturing the beauty of Venetian glasswork and the cultural significance of trade beads in Africa.

Bead Size:

• Diameter: 17-18 mm
• Width: 9 mm

Condition:

• Very good condition with light beveling (see photos for details).

These millefiori beads, also called mosaic beads, were produced through a detailed technique in which colorful glass canes are fused and sliced to reveal intricate, flower-like patterns. Venetian artisans created these pieces to be durable and visually captivating, embodying both the skill of their craft and the rich heritage of Venetian glass production. For centuries, such beads played a significant role in African trade, especially in Ghana and other parts of West Africa, where they were traded for various goods and cherished as symbols of status and beauty.

Explore more of our unique and antique bead collections:

• View All Millefiori Beads
• Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads