Antique Elbow Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, 40x10mm

This beautiful antique Venetian elbow millefiori mosaic glass trade bead is a rare treasure crafted in early 1900s Venice, Italy. Designed in the iconic Venetian millefiori style, this glass bead showcases intricate mosaic patterns in rich, vibrant colors. These beads are highly valued in African trade history and were widely traded across West Africa, making them sought-after artifacts for collectors and jewelry designers alike.

• Size: 40 mm x 10 mm
• Condition: Excellent, with no chips or cracks

The technique used to create these millefiori beads is a true testament to Venetian glass artistry. "Millefiori," which translates to "a thousand flowers," refers to the unique layering and cutting process that reveals floral and geometric patterns within each bead. This bead was crafted using traditional lampwork techniques perfected over centuries by Venetian artisans. In the 1900s, such beads became prominent in trade across Africa, especially in Ghana, where they were prized for their beauty and value.

Explore more rare millefiori trade beads in our collection and learn about their role in African heritage:

• View current Millefiori Beads collection
• Shop antique trade beads
• View archived Millefiori beads