Rare Ace of Spades Antique Millefiori Mosaic Trade Beads, 11mm

Discover a stunning matching pair of very rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, known as the "Ace of Spades." These exquisite beads are featured in Picard, Volume VI, p.48, bead 1113, highlighting their significance and rarity in the world of trade beads.

• Bead Size: 11 mm x 10 mm
• Condition: Very good, with lightly beveled edges and very light chipping at the ends (see photos for details).

These beads were expertly crafted in Venice, Italy, using the traditional millefiori (mosaic) technique during the early 1900s. Their vibrant colors and intricate patterns made them highly desirable in the African trade, where they served not only as ornaments but also as valuable trade currency.

The millefiori technique involves layering and fusing colored glass canes to create intricate patterns resembling flowers or geometric motifs. Once cooled, the canes are sliced into cross-sections to reveal their stunning designs. Venetian glassmakers perfected this art form, making these beads not only beautiful but also historically significant.

Trade beads like these were highly valued in Ghana and other parts of Africa, where they symbolized wealth, status, and cultural heritage. Today, they continue to captivate collectors and bead enthusiasts around the world.

Explore more rare and antique Venetian millefiori beads by visiting our collections:

• Current Millefiori Beads for Sale
• Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads