Discover the exquisite beauty of these three antique oval Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, crafted with stunning detail and rich color. Created in Venice in the early 1900s, these mosaic beads are celebrated for their distinct patterns and historical significance in African trade. A rare find in this condition, they are an ideal choice for collectors and artisans alike.
Bead size: 15 mm length, 9 mm diameter
Condition: Excellent; includes small air bubbles as visible in photos
Each bead reflects the intricate Venetian technique known as "millefiori," meaning "a thousand flowers," achieved by layering and cutting cross-sections of glass canes to form beautiful mosaic patterns. These beads were crafted in Italy but held great value in Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they were exchanged as trade beads and cherished as symbols of wealth and status. Collectors prize these beads not only for their artistic beauty but for their historical significance as part of Africa's rich trade legacy.
