Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Beads - African Trade Beads

Discover a rare set of three antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, renowned for their artistry and vibrant history. These beautiful mosaic beads, carefully referenced in Picard, Volume VI, p.52, bead 1307, are a prized addition to any collector’s or jewelry maker’s assortment.

Each bead is expertly crafted in Venice, Italy, and dates back to the early 1900s, a period when Venetian trade beads played a key role in African trade. This set showcases the classic millefiori (Italian for "thousand flowers") technique, producing a stunning mosaic effect that reflects a unique blend of Venetian artistry and African history.

Bead Details:

• Length: 17 mm
• Diameter: 10 mm

Condition:

• Very good vintage condition
• Lightly beveled and very lightly chipped at the ends

These African trade beads were created using traditional Venetian glass techniques, where layers of colored glass rods were fused, sliced, and arranged into intricate floral patterns. Millefiori beads were highly prized in African regions, including Ghana, where they served as valuable currency and symbols of social status. The journey of these beads highlights a rich history of cultural exchange, craftsmanship, and artistry that remains cherished to this day.

Explore more of TribalGH's collection:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archive