Rare Antique Large Multimurrine Millefiori Venetian African Trade Bead, 40mm

Elevate your collection with this rare, large Multimurrine Venetian mosaic millefiori trade bead from the early 1900s. This unique and vibrant bead, referenced in Picard, Volume VI (p.54, bead 1424), showcases the artistry and rich history of antique Venetian bead-making. Its multicolor mosaic patterns captivate the eye, making it an exceptional centerpiece for any collection.

Specifications:

• Size: 40 x 11 mm
• Condition: Very good, with very light chipping at the ends (see photos)

About Venetian Millefiori Beads:
Handmade by skilled artisans in Venice, Italy, millefiori beads like this were crafted using an intricate "mosaic" or "murrine" technique, where vibrant glass canes were fused, sliced, and arranged into colorful patterns, then shaped into beads. These beads, often called "African trade beads," played a vital role in 20th-century trade with Africa, particularly in Ghana and West Africa. Appreciated as currency and treasured as cultural artifacts, these glass trade beads continue to hold significant historical and aesthetic value.

Explore more from TribalGH:

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