This rare and antique Venetian millefiori trade bead is a beautiful example of traditional mosaic glass craftsmanship from the early 1900s. Used in historic African trade, this bead displays an intricate millefiori pattern, carefully handcrafted in Venice, Italy. Its large size and vibrant mosaic design make it an exceptional piece, treasured by collectors and bead enthusiasts alike.
Size: 15 mm x 13 mm
Condition: Excellent, with light beveling (see photos for details)
Venetian artisans created these mosaic millefiori beads by layering glass canes to achieve the vivid floral and geometric designs we see today. Not only were these beads decorative, but they also played a significant role in trade across West Africa, particularly in Ghana. Known for their unique beauty and craftsmanship, millefiori beads became valuable cultural artifacts, symbolizing wealth and status within African communities.
