Presenting a beautiful and exceptionally rare multimurrine Venetian millefiori trade bead with a unique trail decoration. This is a remarkable example of an elbow bead, originating from early 20th century Venice and crafted with intricate mosaic glass techniques. Its vibrant and colorful pattern is not only visually stunning but also carries a rich historical legacy as part of the African trade network.
Size: 36 mm x 10 mm
Condition: Excellent
This antique bead dates back to the early 1900s, a period when Venetian artisans in Murano perfected the "millefiori" (meaning "thousand flowers") technique. Each bead was carefully crafted by layering and fusing glass canes, which created intricate flower-like designs that stand out with vibrant colors and distinct, miniature mosaic patterns.
Millefiori beads like this one played a pivotal role in African trade, particularly in Ghana and across West Africa, where they were used as currency, symbols of prestige, and important cultural artifacts. This rare multimurrine bead with its trail decorations is a testament to this rich exchange and would be a highlight in any collection of African trade or Venetian glass beads.
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