Rare Antique Large Oval Millefiori African Trade Beads - Mosaic Glass

Explore this exceptional set of five rare, large-sized oval Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, crafted with care and showcasing the distinct artistry of early 1900s Venetian bead-making. Each bead features the traditional millefiori or "thousand flowers" design, meticulously created with vibrant colors and intricate floral patterns that have enchanted collectors and artisans for over a century. These beads were produced in Venice, Italy, and became iconic as African trade beads due to their use in the African trade routes.

Size:

• Length: 11 mm
• Diameter: 9 mm

Condition:

• Excellent condition (one bead is very lightly chipped; please refer to photos for detail).

These antique beads were skillfully crafted through a complex glasswork technique called millefiori, in which bundles of colored glass canes are fused and sliced, revealing beautiful floral patterns that make each bead unique. Highly valued for their beauty, Venetian trade beads played an essential role in the African trade, particularly in regions like Ghana, where they were exchanged as symbols of wealth, cultural identity, and artistic expression. Millefiori beads continue to hold historical significance and are treasured by collectors worldwide.

Explore more from TribalGH’s rare bead collections below:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archives