Antique Elbow Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Glass Trade Bead - African Trade

This exquisite Antique Elbow Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Glass Trade Bead showcases the intricate artistry of Venetian glassmakers. Crafted in Venice in the early 1900s, this rare bead reflects the vivid colors and delicate floral patterns unique to the traditional millefiori (Italian for "a thousand flowers") technique. Once a valued item in African trade, it carries a fascinating cultural legacy.

Size:

• Length: 45 mm
• Diameter: 12 mm

Condition:

• Very good vintage condition with minor chipping at the ends (refer to photos for details).

This bead's vibrant colors and distinctive elbow shape highlight the exceptional skill involved in its creation. Millefiori beads like this one were made using a labor-intensive process, layering colorful glass rods and slicing them into mosaic patterns, giving each bead its unique floral-like beauty. Venetian trade beads were highly prized in Ghana and other parts of Africa, where they became symbols of wealth and status.

Embrace a piece of this timeless artistry and history in your collection.

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