Rare Antique Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Glass Trade Beads – 16-17mm

Add a rare and captivating piece of history to your collection with this pair of antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads. Known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, these beads are a true testament to Venetian artistry and African trade heritage. As referenced in Picard, Volume VI, p.52, bead 1307, they capture the elegance of the early 1900s.

Each bead has been carefully crafted using the age-old Venetian millefiori technique, resulting in a mesmerizing mosaic of colors and patterns. Made in Venice and traded across Africa, these beads are perfect for both collectors and enthusiasts of unique, historic pieces.

Bead Size:

• Diameter: 16-17 mm
• Width: 10 mm

Condition:

• Very good vintage condition
• Lightly beveled and very lightly chipped at the ends (see photos for details)

Venetian millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, are crafted by layering glass canes to create intricate flower and geometric designs, embodying Venetian artisanship. These beads were highly valued in West Africa, especially Ghana, where they were traded and cherished as symbols of wealth and social significance. Their journey through African trade routes illustrates their importance in African culture, making them rare artifacts with rich stories to tell.

Explore more in our collection:

• Millefiori Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Millefiori Beads Archive