Add a piece of history to your collection with this rare, antique black tabular millefiori Venetian mosaic glass trade bead, cherished for its unique artistry and enduring quality. Crafted in the early 1900s in Venice, Italy, this bead features the intricate millefiori, or "thousand flowers," mosaic technique that has captivated collectors for centuries.
Length: 19 mm
Width: 17 mm
Thickness: 8 mm
Very good condition with only a very light chip at one end, a testament to its authentic use in trade (see photos).
These stunning black tabular beads, characterized by their distinct mosaic patterns, were originally crafted in Venice and widely used in African trade during the early 20th century. Each bead was meticulously created through a millefiori technique, where layered glass rods are fused, sliced, and arranged to form intricate, flower-like designs. This time-intensive process has made Venetian trade beads like this one highly valued both in Ghana and across Africa, symbolizing centuries of cultural exchange.
Explore our full collection of millefiori beads, each unique in its own way:
