Rare Antique Large Oval Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Trade Bead - 24mm

Explore a stunning piece of history with this rare, antique large oval millefiori Venetian mosaic glass trade bead, dating back to the early 1900s and renowned for its striking, vibrant design. This Venetian-made bead, crafted with intricate mosaic techniques, was highly prized in the African trade market for its unmatched beauty and craftsmanship.

Dimensions:

• Size: 24 mm x 11 mm

Condition:

• Excellent condition: Lightly beveled edges (please refer to photos)

This exquisite bead features a classic oval shape with mesmerizing patterns formed through the millefiori glasswork technique, where “millefiori” literally means “a thousand flowers.” Crafted in Venice, Italy, each bead undergoes a delicate process involving layers of colored glass canes, skillfully arranged to create floral patterns. Once perfected, these beads were traded across Africa, becoming cultural treasures cherished in Ghana and West African regions for their beauty and as symbols of trade relationships.

Explore more exquisite millefiori beads and trade bead collections on TribalGH:

• Explore More Millefiori Beads
• View Old Trade Beads Collection
• Browse Archived Millefiori Beads