Rare Antique Red Banded Elbow Millefiori Venetian Glass Trade Bead

This rare antique Venetian red-banded elbow millefiori bead is a striking piece of trade bead history, crafted with meticulous Venetian glasswork. Renowned for its bold red and intricate mosaic design, this millefiori bead reflects the timeless artistry of Venetian glassmakers and holds a special place in African trade heritage.

• Size: Approximately 31 mm in length and 9 mm in diameter
• Condition: Very good, with a minor hairline crack that does not compromise the bead's integrity

This bead, dating back to the early 1900s, is a testament to the trade routes that connected Venice with West Africa, particularly Ghana, where millefiori beads were deeply valued. Venetian artisans crafted these mosaic beads using a complex layering technique, shaping and fusing colorful glass canes to create the distinctive “thousand flowers” design. Beads like this were treasured in Africa not only for their beauty but also for their value in trade, with many being passed down through generations as symbols of cultural connection and artistry.

To explore more rare and beautiful millefiori beads, check out our collections below:

• Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archives