Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, 20x11mm

Discover a beautiful and rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead—a remarkable example of the craftsmanship and artistry that marked Venetian bead-making for African trade in the early 1900s. This exquisite bead displays the intricate “millefiori” or “thousand flowers” technique, with intricate patterns made possible only by the skill of Venetian artisans.

Specifications:

• Size: 20 x 11 mm
• Condition: Very good; minor chipping at the ends (please see photos for details)

Historic Significance:
Each millefiori bead was meticulously crafted in Venice, Italy, using a complex mosaic technique where layers of colorful glass rods were fused and sliced to create vibrant floral and geometric patterns. In the early 1900s, these beads were traded widely across Ghana and other parts of Africa, where they became highly valued both as currency and as personal adornment. Millefiori beads like this one have become essential artifacts of African cultural history, symbolizing a rich exchange between European artisans and African communities.

Enhance your collection with this antique Venetian bead—a true piece of history, treasured for its beauty and cultural significance.

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