Add a touch of history and artistry to your collection with these antique oval Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads. Crafted in Venice in the early 1900s, these beads showcase the incredible craftsmanship and vivid colors for which millefiori glass is renowned. Each bead features intricate mosaic designs, adding layers of depth and color that have remained vibrant even after decades of use in the African trade.
Size:
Length: 16-17 mm
Width: 9 mm
Condition:
Very good vintage condition (lightly beveled edges; please refer to photos)
These stunning millefiori beads were handcrafted in Venice using a mosaic technique that involves layering and fusing multiple glass canes, each containing vivid floral and geometric patterns, to create an intricate design that is truly unique to every bead. Originally crafted for trade, Venetian millefiori beads became prized in African trade markets, particularly in Ghana, where they held cultural and economic significance and were often symbols of wealth and prestige.
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