Rare Antique OVAL Venetian Millefiori Glass Trade Beads - 14mm African Mosaic

This matching pair of rare old OVAL Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads features a captivating, vibrant design that truly showcases the beauty of Venetian craftsmanship. Known as millefiori beads, each piece reflects the intricate "thousand flowers" technique characteristic of mosaic bead-making traditions that flourished in Venice during the early 1900s.

These unique antique glass beads, cataloged in Picard, Volume VI, p. 41, strand 14, carry historical significance as they were highly valued in the African trade markets, prized for their beauty and craftsmanship. Their well-preserved condition and lightly beveled edges make them exceptional additions for both collectors and artisans.

Bead Size:

• 14 mm x 10 mm

Condition:

• Excellent (lightly beveled)

Venetian millefiori beads like these were crafted through an elaborate glass-making process perfected in Venice, where molten glass rods of various colors were layered to create floral mosaic patterns. These striking beads became cherished trade items, especially in African regions like Ghana, where they held both decorative and cultural importance, symbolizing wealth and social status.

Explore more antique millefiori beads from TribalGH’s collection and discover a legacy of African trade:

• Millefiori Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads