Rare Antique Large Oval Millefiori Mosaic Beads with Trail Design - African Trade Beads

Discover a beautiful matching pair of rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic trade beads with a distinctive oval shape and striking trail decoration. These captivating beads, crafted in the early 1900s, showcase the artistry of Venetian glassmaking and were prized in the African trade market. Each bead features a timeless mosaic pattern that reflects the vibrant colors and intricate details synonymous with millefiori beads.

Specifications:

• Bead Size: 16-17 mm x 11 mm
• Shape: Oval
• Decoration: Mosaic with trail design

Condition:

• Very good condition with minor chipping at the ends

Crafted through an intricate layering technique unique to Venice’s glass artisans, millefiori beads are formed by combining multi-colored glass canes to create breathtaking floral and geometric patterns. The term "millefiori," meaning "thousand flowers," perfectly captures the vibrant artistry of these beads. Once produced, they became a valued trade currency, especially in West Africa, where they were used as adornments, status symbols, and markers of wealth. These rare beads, highly cherished in Ghana and across Africa, hold not only beauty but a rich historical legacy.

Explore more from TribalGH’s collections:

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