Rare Antique "Peacock" Elbow Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Trade Bead – 33mm

Discover a beautifully rare, authentic "Peacock" Elbow Venetian Millefiori bead, celebrated for its unique craftsmanship and vibrant history in the African trade. This antique mosaic glass bead, referenced in Picard’s authoritative Volume VI, p. 39 (bead 718), brings to life the artistic spirit of early 1900s Venice. Perfectly suited for collectors, designers, and jewelry artisans, this bead radiates history and traditional artistry in every detail.

• Size: 33 mm x 8 mm
• Condition: Very good, with a few natural air bubbles visible (please refer to photos)

Venetian Millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, represent a remarkable glass-working tradition honed in Venice, Italy. Each Millefiori bead was crafted using an intricate layering technique where rods of colored glass (murrine) were fused and cut to reveal exquisite floral and peacock-eye patterns. These beads were highly prized and widely used as currency and decorative items in the African trade, particularly in Ghana and other regions of West Africa. The enduring appeal of these beads lies not only in their aesthetic beauty but also in their role as cherished cultural artifacts.

For more antique Millefiori beads, explore our current collections here:

• Millefiori Beads Collection
• Trade Beads Collection
• Archives of Sold Millefiori Beads