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Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Beads - African Trade
Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Beads - African Trade
Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads - African Trade Beads
Discover the allure of these rare, matching antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, each a beautifully crafted piece of history. These exquisite mosaic beads, dating back to the early 1900s, were skillfully handmade in Venice, Italy, showcasing the meticulous millefiori technique that produces the iconic flower-like designs unique to these beads. Originally used in African trade, these antique glass trade beads are a remarkable testament to the cultural exchanges between Venice and Africa, especially in regions like Ghana.
- Bead Size: 21-22 mm x 8 mm
- Condition: Very good; lightly beveled and very lightly chipped at the ends (see photos for details)
These vintage Venetian beads are crafted using the millefiori (or "thousand flowers") technique, where intricate patterns are created by fusing and layering glass canes. This method gives each bead a unique, vibrant mosaic appearance highly sought after by collectors and jewelry makers alike. Millefiori beads were prized in African trade, particularly in West Africa, for their beauty and craftsmanship, often symbolizing wealth and status in various communities.
Today, these glass trade beads stand as timeless symbols of global trade and artistry, cherished both as cultural artifacts and as stunning additions to bead collections.
Explore TribalGH's exclusive collections of authentic Venetian beads and other antique trade beads below:
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