Antique Large Banded Millefiori Mosaic Venetian Trade Beads, 31x12mm Pair

Discover an exquisite pair of antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads with beautifully banded patterns, crafted in Venice, Italy, and traded across Africa in the early 1900s. This matching pair stands out with its intricate design and exceptional quality, a testament to the skill of Venetian artisans who pioneered the millefiori technique. Perfect for collectors and bead enthusiasts, these glass beads reflect a rich history of trade and craftsmanship.

• Size: 31 x 12 mm
• Condition: Very good with lightly beveled and very minor chipping at the ends (see photos for detail).

These beads represent the remarkable mosaic millefiori technique, in which colorful glass canes are fused, sliced, and set into unique patterns, creating the "thousand flowers" (millefiori) effect. Each bead is a miniature mosaic masterpiece, hand-crafted in Venice and destined for global trade. In West Africa, including Ghana, beads like these were highly valued, serving as a form of currency, and later as cherished heirlooms in African culture. Today, they remain highly collectible, embodying both artistry and the legacy of African trade.

To explore more from our collection, browse our available millefiori beads, view our full selection of antique trade beads, or explore our archived pieces in the millefiori bead archives.