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Rare Antique Elbow Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, 40x8mm
Rare Antique Elbow Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, 40x8mm
This rare antique Venetian elbow-shaped millefiori trade bead is a captivating example of the intricate artistry that originated in Venice, Italy. Known for its striking mosaic patterns and vibrant colors, this glass trade bead holds both aesthetic and historical significance, having been crafted and traded in the early 1900s.
Carefully referenced in Picard’s Volume VI, p.36, bead 602, this piece is a rare find, highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of African trade beads. Its unique elbow shape is accentuated by colorful millefiori "thousand flowers" patterns, showcasing the exceptional Venetian glassmaking techniques that have been cherished for centuries.
Size:
- Length: 40 mm
- Diameter: 8 mm
Condition:
- Excellent vintage condition
- Slight chip at one end (please refer to photos for details)
Venetian millefiori beads like this one are celebrated for their complex manufacturing technique, where layers of glass rods were arranged to form flower-like designs. These delicate rods were fused, sliced, and shaped, producing beads that held great cultural and trade value. Traded widely across Africa, millefiori beads became symbols of wealth and prestige, especially in Ghana and West Africa, where they were used in rituals, as currency, and in decorative jewelry.
Explore our exclusive collection of Venetian millefiori beads for similar historic and artistic treasures:
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