Tribalgh
Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Elbow Trade Bead 55x13mm
Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Elbow Trade Bead 55x13mm
Discover a unique piece of history with this beautiful antique Venetian Millefiori mosaic glass trade bead. This distinctive elbow-shaped bead, crafted in Venice in the early 1900s, exemplifies the intricate art of mosaic glasswork, renowned for its colorful, floral-inspired designs. With a vibrant mix of colors and a mosaic pattern characteristic of traditional Millefiori craftsmanship, this bead holds immense value for collectors and jewelry makers alike.
Size:
- Length: 55 mm
- Diameter: 13 mm
Condition:
- Very good condition (minor chip at the end; please refer to photos for details).
The creation of Millefiori beads involves a complex glassmaking process where colorful canes, or "murrine," are heated and stretched into thin rods. These rods are then sliced, revealing floral patterns that resemble a thousand flowers, hence the name "millefiori." Venetian artisans perfected this technique, making Millefiori beads some of the most prized items in the world of antique glasswork. These mosaic beads were integral to African trade in the early 1900s, cherished for their beauty and exchanged as valuable currency in regions across Ghana and West Africa. Millefiori beads carry a legacy that intertwines both artistry and cultural exchange, symbolizing an era where intricate craftsmanship met global trade routes.
For more Millefiori beads and trade beads, explore the TribalGH collections:
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