This exceptional Venetian millefiori bead, cataloged in Picard, Volume VI, p.39, bead 705, is a remarkable piece of historical artistry. Created in the early 1900s, this bead was used extensively in African trade, and it showcases a rare combination of murrine (mosaic) and trail decoration techniques unique to Venetian craftsmanship.
Size: 40 x 10 mm
Condition: Excellent, with minimal signs of use from trade circulation
The craftsmanship of this bead highlights Venetian mastery, utilizing murrine (colorful cross-sections of glass rods) to create intricate floral and geometric patterns. Artisans in Venice perfected the millefiori technique to produce dazzling, complex designs within each bead. These beads held great value in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they became integral to the cultural and economic exchanges of the time. Such trade beads were prized not only as currency but also for their decorative beauty, making them a symbol of heritage and art across cultures.
For more stunning millefiori mosaic beads, explore our collections below:
