Tribalgh

Antique Red Banded Oval Millefiori Venetian Glass Trade Bead – 17x11mm

This beautiful, rare red banded oval millefiori Venetian mosaic glass trade bead is a true collector’s gem. Documented in Picard, Volume VI, p.50, bead 1194, this antique bead was crafted in Venice in the early 1900s and used in the African trade. Its vivid red bands and intricate mosaic design make it a striking piece of history.

Size: 17 x 11 mm
Condition: Excellent

Millefiori beads, known for their intricate patterns, were made using a labor-intensive glass-making technique in Venice, Italy. Artisans arranged tiny colored glass rods (murrine) to form beautiful floral or geometric designs, then fused them together. These beads were highly prized in African trade, particularly in regions like Ghana, where they were used as currency and symbols of wealth and status. The blend of Venetian craftsmanship and African history makes this bead a fascinating collectible.

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