Presenting a beautiful matching pair of rare antique banded oval Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads. Each bead is a unique example of Venetian artistry, crafted in the early 1900s and used in the African trade. With bold, intricate mosaic designs, these beads capture the essence of the millefiori technique and have an eye-catching oval shape with detailed banded patterns.
Size: Approximately 17x11 mm
Condition: Excellent - finely preserved with vibrant colors and clear banding
The ancient art of millefiori—meaning “a thousand flowers”—was perfected in Venice, where artisans meticulously layered glass to create vibrant floral and geometric designs. Each bead is a testament to Venetian glassmakers' skills and the cultural exchange that arose through the African trade routes. Trade beads like these were symbols of wealth and storytelling tools in Ghana and across Africa, prized for their beauty and enduring craftsmanship.
Explore more exquisite millefiori beads, antique trade beads, and our archive of sold treasures at TribalGH:
