Rare Antique Elbow Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, 45x11mm

Explore the beauty of this VERY RARE antique Venetian elbow millefiori mosaic glass trade bead - an exceptional piece of history and artistry. Carefully crafted in Venice in the early 1900s, this bead boasts a unique elbow shape and is a fine example of the intricate millefiori technique that characterizes Venetian mosaic beads. Sought after for their vibrant colors and intricate floral and geometric patterns, Venetian millefiori beads were highly valued in African trade, where they carried deep cultural significance and became symbols of wealth and prestige.

This particular bead has been preserved remarkably well, displaying only light chipping at the ends (visible in the photos). Such minimal wear for a bead of its age highlights its value and rarity, making it an excellent addition to any collection of African trade beads or antique glass beads.

Size:

• Length: 45 mm
• Width: 11 mm

Condition:

• Very Good Condition: Minor chipping at the ends, typical of antique beads.

Venetian millefiori, or "thousand flowers," beads are created by layering and fusing colorful glass canes, each slice revealing a stunning mosaic pattern. These glass art techniques were developed in Murano, Venice, and have been revered for centuries for their remarkable intricacy. During the height of African trade in the early 20th century, these beads were exchanged as valuable items across Ghana and other regions, where they were prized not only as adornments but also as symbols of wealth, status, and artistry.

For more incredible finds, explore our collections:

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