Rare Large Oval Antique Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads - 14x15mm

Presenting a stunning and rare matching pair of large antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, crafted in Venice and cherished in African trade since the early 1900s. This unique pair, featured in Picard's reference collection (Volume VI, p.61, bead 1802), embodies the exquisite artistry and vibrant colors for which Venetian beads are renowned. Each bead features intricate mosaic patterns and a gently beveled surface, with the occasional air bubble adding to their old-world charm.

• Size: 14 x 15 mm

• Condition: Very good with light beveling and minor air bubbles.

The technique used to craft these beads, known as "millefiori" (Italian for "a thousand flowers"), was perfected by Venetian artisans who layered molten glass into rods and cut them into colorful cross-sectional patterns. This labor-intensive process created glass beads that were not only visually stunning but also highly durable, making them ideal for trade. These beads became essential in trade across Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they were used both as currency and as symbols of wealth and social status. Their legacy endures in African culture today, with these historic beads celebrated as treasured heirlooms and collectible artifacts.

Explore more of TribalGH's collection of available and archived antique millefiori and trade beads:

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