Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads, 11mm

Explore this rare set of four antique Venetian Millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, crafted with exceptional artistry in Venice and used in the African trade in the early 1900s. These beads showcase vibrant and timeless colors, expertly arranged in intricate floral patterns that represent the famous millefiori (“thousand flowers”) technique. Each bead is a unique piece of history, capturing the essence of both Venetian glass-making and African trade culture.

• Bead Size: 11 mm in length, 7 mm in diameter

• Condition: Excellent, with no visible chips or cracks

The Venetian millefiori technique involves layering and fusing colored glass rods into intricate patterns, which are then sliced into small discs and embedded into each bead. These beads played a significant role as trade currency across Ghana and other parts of Africa, symbolizing wealth and cultural exchange. Their enduring beauty makes them treasured by collectors and artisans alike, embodying centuries of craftsmanship and global heritage.

View more rare millefiori mosaic beads in the TribalGH Millefiori Collection, our full collection of African Trade Beads, or explore our Archives of Sold Millefiori Beads.