Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads - Rare 17-18mm

Discover the allure of rare, antique Venetian millefiori trade beads that are as historic as they are visually captivating. These five mosaic glass beads are crafted in traditional Venetian style with intricate murrine and delicate trail decorations, showcasing the impeccable glass artistry of 19th-century Italy.

Each bead, shaped with careful attention and vibrant patterns, carries a piece of African trade history and is prized for its unique style and age. Originally crafted in Venice and traded in Africa from the late 1800s to early 1900s, these beads hold a storied past, symbolizing cultural exchange and the flourishing trade networks of the time.

Bead Size:

• Length: 17-18 mm
• Diameter: 11 mm

Condition:

• Good condition with minor decoration loss and slight chipping (please refer to photos)

Venetian millefiori (meaning “thousand flowers”) beads were crafted through a complex glasswork technique. Artisans layered multicolored glass canes, then sliced and molded these “mosaic” patterns into beads of vibrant designs. Such beads were highly prized in African communities, serving not only as ornaments but as a form of currency and cultural connection. Their presence in Africa exemplifies the deep significance of trade beads in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they became integral to artistic traditions and adornment practices.

For more antique Venetian trade beads, visit:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archive