Antique OVAL Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Glass Trade Beads 13x10 mm Pair

Presenting a beautiful matching pair of rare, antique Venetian OVAL millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, renowned for their intricate design and historical significance. These beads, crafted in Venice in the early 1900s, carry a rich heritage, having been used extensively in the African trade and cherished across cultures.

• Size: 13x10 mm
• Condition: Very good, lightly beveled (see photos)

The artistry behind these beads is rooted in the traditional Venetian millefiori technique, which translates to “a thousand flowers” and is evident in the delicate floral patterns encapsulated in glass. This intricate process involves layering and fusing colored glass canes to create mesmerizing floral and mosaic designs, resulting in each bead being a small, unique masterpiece.

Millefiori beads like these played a crucial role in African trade, especially in Ghana and West Africa, where they were highly valued and exchanged for goods, becoming a significant symbol of wealth and beauty. These antique Venetian beads offer a glimpse into a bygone era of cultural exchange and artistry.

Explore more of our collection and discover similar treasures:

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