Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Elbow Trade Bead - 40x9mm

This beautiful antique Venetian Millefiori mosaic glass trade bead is a striking example of early 20th-century craftsmanship, produced in Venice and historically cherished across Africa. Known for its captivating mosaic patterns, this old elbow-shaped bead features a remarkable blend of colors and intricate designs. Each bead embodies the rich legacy of African trade beads, prized by collectors and artisans alike.

Specifications:

• Size: 40mm x 9mm
• Condition: Very good (very lightly chipped at the ends, see photos for detail)

Handmade by Venetian artisans in the early 1900s, millefiori beads like this one were produced using a complex glassmaking technique that layered and fused glass canes to create a vibrant "thousand flowers" effect. Known as mosaic beads, these were cherished and widely traded across Africa, especially in Ghana, where they became symbols of status and cultural exchange. Venetian trade beads served as both currency and decorative art, making them valuable in the world of bead collecting.

Discover more exquisite millefiori beads and unique artifacts in our collections:

• Explore our Millefiori Beads Collection
• Browse our Trade Beads Collection
• View Archived Millefiori Beads