This rare, antique Venetian millefiori mosaic trade bead is a remarkable find, featuring a large, tabular shape reminiscent of a surfboard, a unique design characteristic that collectors treasure. This beautifully curved bead showcases the iconic Venetian millefiori pattern, renowned for its vivid colors and intricate mosaics, making it a piece steeped in history and artistry.
Size:
Length: 33 mm
Width: 10 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Condition:
Very good condition with only slight chipping at the ends, preserving its remarkable historical quality (please see photos for details).
Crafted in Venice in the early 1900s, this millefiori glass trade bead is a testament to the artistic legacy of Venetian glassmakers who meticulously created these intricate mosaic designs by layering colored glass canes. Millefiori beads were among the prized goods traded across Africa, especially in Ghana, where they held symbolic and economic value. These beads were cherished not only for their beauty but for their roles as currency and symbols of social status.
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