Rare Antique Large Elbow Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Trade Bead - 55mm

Explore this rare, antique Venetian elbow millefiori mosaic trade bead, a true collector's gem. This large bead, renowned for its unique multimurrine pattern with intricate trail decoration, was crafted with traditional Venetian glassmaking artistry. Its striking design is showcased in Picard’s renowned "Beads" (Volume VI, p.37, bead 668), marking it as a historically significant piece.

• Size: 55mm x 14mm
• Condition: Excellent; very light chipping at the ends (see photos)

Venetian mosaic beads, also known as millefiori or mosaic beads, have an enduring legacy in African trade history. Created in Venice in the early 1900s, these glass beads were crafted using a sophisticated layering technique, where rods of colored glass, or "murrine," are meticulously arranged and cut to reveal intricate floral and geometric designs. Each bead was carefully shaped and finished to highlight its vibrant patterns, making them sought-after trade items throughout Ghana and broader Africa. Their vivid colors and exquisite artistry symbolize cultural exchanges between Venice and Africa, as they became integral to adornment and trade across generations.

For more incredible finds, explore our collections:

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