Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads, 20mm Pair

Discover this exquisite and rare matching pair of old Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, each showcasing stunning craftsmanship and a deep connection to African trade history. Handcrafted in Venice in the early 1900s, these vibrant mosaic beads were created with intricate millefiori techniques and later made their way to Africa, where they became prized in trade.

Size:

• Length: 20 mm
• Width: 8 mm

Condition:

• Very good condition (beveled edges with light chipping at ends)
• One bead has a hairline crack, which does not affect the bead’s strength

The Venetian millefiori technique, known for its "thousand flowers" look, involves layering glass canes into intricate patterns, resulting in beads that are prized for their vivid colors and distinctive designs. These mosaic beads played a significant role in African trade, especially in Ghana, where they were symbols of wealth and status. Today, they remain beloved artifacts and a testament to the rich cultural exchange between Venice and West Africa.

Explore More:

• View our collection of Millefiori Beads
• Discover other Old Trade Beads
• Browse our Archive of Sold Millefiori Beads