Antique Banded Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads Pair, 16x10mm

Presenting a beautiful matching pair of antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, renowned for their intricate craftsmanship and unique design. These rare, banded beads were crafted in Venice in the early 1900s and used in the African trade, making them a significant piece of history.

• Size: 16 x 10 mm
• Condition: Very good, with light chipping at the ends and slight bevelling (see photos for details)

The millefiori (meaning "a thousand flowers") technique used to create these mosaic beads involves layering colored glass canes to form intricate patterns, which are then fused into the bead. This delicate process has its roots in ancient Venice, where artisans perfected the art of glassmaking. These Venetian trade beads were highly valued in African trade, especially in regions like Ghana, where they were used not only for trade but also as cultural symbols of wealth and status.

Explore our full collection of millefiori beads currently available for sale, or discover other old trade beads. You can also browse our archived millefiori beads to learn more about these stunning pieces of history.