Presenting an extraordinarily rare and large antique elbow-shaped Venetian millefiori trade bead. This exceptional bead, a true collectible, is crafted in the traditional mosaic millefiori technique of Venice, Italy, and dates back to the early 1900s. Highlighted in Picard's Volume VI, p.76, bead 2457, this piece of history is both visually stunning and deeply connected to the heritage of African trade beads.
Specifications:
Size: 64 x 14 mm
Condition: Excellent overall condition with only very light chipping at the ends, adding to its vintage charm (see photos for details).
This large millefiori bead exemplifies the artistry of Venetian glassmakers, who carefully layered glass canes to create intricate mosaic patterns. Millefiori beads like this were highly sought after in African trade markets, where they served as valuable currency and became deeply woven into the cultural and economic fabric of West African societies, especially in Ghana.
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