Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads – Rectangular, 14mm

Discover a stunning collection of four rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads. These exquisite beads, handcrafted in Venice in the early 1900s, showcase intricate mosaic patterns and vibrant colors that capture the essence of Venetian artistry. Highly sought after for their unique beauty, each bead brings history and craftsmanship together, making them a remarkable addition to any collection.

Bead Specifications:

• Shape: Rectangular
• Size:
  • Length: 14 mm
  • Width: 7 mm
  • Depth: 6 mm
• Condition:
  • Very good overall with light chipping at the ends

Crafted in Venice using the millefiori (Italian for "a thousand flowers") technique, these beads feature tiny, colorful mosaic patterns fused into each bead. Venetian artisans meticulously layered and melted colored glass canes, forming unique patterns that reflect the exceptional artistry for which these beads are renowned.

Historically, Venetian trade beads like these were essential in African trade, particularly in Ghana and across West Africa, where they were prized as currency, adornments, and status symbols. Millefiori beads became symbols of connection, exchanged between cultures and appreciated for their timeless elegance.

Explore more of TribalGH’s millefiori bead collection, our vintage trade beads collection, and view our archived millefiori beads to appreciate the rich history of these beautiful pieces.