Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, 21mm x 10mm

Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead

Discover the beauty and history of this rare Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead, as featured in Picard's Volume VI, front cover, bead 21. This bead, in very good condition (lightly beveled, see photos), is a true collector's gem.

• Size: 21 mm x 10 mm

Originating from Venice, Italy, these exquisite millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, played a significant role in the African trade during the late 1800s to early 1900s. Each bead was meticulously crafted using the ancient technique of arranging and fusing glass canes, resulting in the vibrant, intricate patterns that make them so prized among collectors and jewelry makers.

Venetian artisans perfected this labor-intensive technique, which involved creating cross-sectional slices of glass canes, arranging them in a desired pattern, and then encasing them in molten glass. The resulting beads were not only beautiful but also served as a form of currency and a medium of exchange in Ghana and other parts of Africa. These beads hold immense cultural and historical significance, symbolizing the rich heritage of African trade networks.

Don't miss the opportunity to own a piece of history with this exceptional antique Venetian millefiori bead.

Explore more of TribalGH's exclusive collections:

• Millefiori Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archives