Rare Antique Elbow Millefiori Venetian Trade Bead, 51x13mm, African Glass Bead

This exquisite and rare antique Venetian elbow Millefiori trade bead showcases an impressive craftsmanship that has survived the test of time. Each detail of this bead captures the essence of Italian artistry from the early 1900s. Known for its intricate cane and trail decoration and a vibrant cased design, this bead is featured in Picard, Volume VI, p.35 (bead 582) and is highly regarded among collectors for its rarity and artistic complexity.

Bead Specifications:

• Size: 51 mm long x 13 mm wide
• Condition: Excellent, with no chips or cracks

Venetian glass artisans created these beautiful millefiori beads in Venice, Italy, using the “mosaic” technique that layers colorful glass rods to form unique, intricate patterns. Each bead represents both technical skill and cultural history, as these beads played a significant role in African trade, especially in Ghana, where they symbolized wealth, status, and connection. Venetian trade beads like this one were not only traded but also cherished as treasured items within various African communities.

Add this remarkable piece of history to your collection, and experience the legacy of African trade and Venetian artistry.

Explore more from TribalGH’s collection:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archive