Rare Antique Elbow Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Glass Trade Bead 42x8mm

Presenting a rare antique Venetian elbow millefiori bead that captures the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of early 1900s glasswork. This exquisite mosaic glass bead is adorned with intricate millefiori designs that radiate vibrant color and character, making it a highly collectible piece with historical significance in African trade.

• Size: 42 mm length x 8 mm width
• Condition: Excellent condition with only light chipping at the ends, as shown in photos

This antique glass bead was expertly crafted in Venice, Italy, using the millefiori technique, where layers of colorful glass are meticulously fused and shaped into intricate mosaic patterns. Each bead tells a story, not only of Italian artistry but also of cultural exchange, as these beads traveled across Africa, serving as valuable trade items in communities from Ghana to beyond. Highly prized for their beauty and rarity, Venetian millefiori beads like this one were symbols of wealth and tradition in African markets.

Explore more in TribalGH's curated collections of vintage beads:

• Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Mosaic Trade Beads