This exquisite antique Venetian Multimurrine millefiori trade bead showcases the artistry of early 1900s Venetian glassmaking, crafted for African trade routes. Known for its intricate “elbow” shape, this bead features a stunning, multicolored murrine design, an exceptional example of mosaic glass technique in trade beads.
Size: 48 x 12 mm
Condition: Excellent overall; very minor chipping on the end (refer to photos for details).
Created in Venice, Italy, this large mosaic millefiori bead exemplifies the complex glass techniques perfected over centuries by Venetian artisans. The bead’s creation involves layering vibrant colored glass canes, carefully fused and shaped to produce intricate patterns visible from all angles.
Venetian glass trade beads were highly prized in Africa, with each bead embodying both artistic and economic value. In Ghana and across the African continent, beads like this were symbols of wealth and social status, often used in significant cultural ceremonies.
