Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Trade Beads, 17-18mm, Matched Pair

Discover a stunning matched pair of antique Venetian millefiori mosaic trade beads from the early 1900s, featuring a rare combination of vibrant molded murrine patterns and intricate trail decorations. These Venetian beads, originally crafted for African trade, are prized for their rich history and captivating artistry. Each bead showcases intricate floral designs in an iconic mosaic style, representing the finest in old Venetian glasswork.

Bead Size:

• Length: 17-18 mm
• Width: 10 mm

Condition:

• Very Good Condition - Lightly beveled, with one bead showing a very small chip (please refer to photos for details).

Venetian millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, are a celebrated art form developed in Venice, Italy, where glassmakers perfected the technique of molding murrine canes into intricate designs. The millefiori (or "thousand flowers") method involved fusing colored glass rods to create unique floral patterns within each bead, making each piece both a work of art and a collectible treasure. These mosaic beads became valuable trade items in Africa, especially in Ghana, where they were highly prized for their vibrant beauty and cultural significance, symbolizing wealth and status.

Explore more of TribalGH's collection:

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