This rare and exquisite antique Venetian Millefiori elbow bead showcases an intricate multimurrine and trail decoration design, crafted in Venice and used in the early African trade. A striking collector’s piece, it reflects the mastery of Venetian bead-making with vibrant mosaic patterns and the meticulous details of old-world craftsmanship. The bead is referenced in Picard, Volume VI, p.37, bead 668, underscoring its authenticity and historical importance.
Size:
Length: 52 mm
Width: 13 mm
Condition:
Very good condition with minimal wear (very lightly chipped at the end - see photos for details)
Handcrafted in the early 1900s, this bead reflects the Venetian millefiori technique, where layers of colorful glass rods, or murrine, are fused to form a mosaic-like surface. Highly prized as African trade beads, these unique creations were exchanged across West Africa, especially in Ghana, where they symbolized wealth and status in various communities. This bead’s craftsmanship and history make it a precious addition for collectors and lovers of African trade beads.
Explore more of TribalGH’s collection of authentic Venetian millefiori beads and antique African trade beads below:
Explore our collection of these unique historical artifacts and add a piece of history to your collection:
