Rare Antique Venetian Banded Oval Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads

These five rare, antique Venetian banded oval millefiori mosaic glass trade beads offer a remarkable glimpse into African and European bead history. Crafted in Venice in the late 1800s to early 1900s, each bead displays intricate mosaic designs with vivid banding patterns, a result of the painstaking millefiori technique. These beautiful glass beads were cherished in the African trade and remain a testament to the artistry of their time.

• Size of each bead: approximately 11-12 mm in length x 8-9 mm in width

• Condition: Excellent, with light beveling

The mosaic millefiori technique used to create these beads involves layering colorful glass canes and slicing them into cross-sections, forming stunning floral and geometric designs. Venice was renowned for producing these unique glass beads, which were widely exchanged in Ghana and across Africa. Trade beads like these not only held aesthetic value but also served as important currency and symbols of social status.

Discover more unique pieces in our collections:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads