Tribalgh
Rare Antique Oval Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads, 13-14 mm
Rare Antique Oval Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads, 13-14 mm
Add a touch of history and artistry to your collection with this matching pair of rare antique oval Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads. These exquisite beads, crafted in Venice and traded throughout Africa in the early 1900s, showcase vibrant colors and intricate patterns typical of the millefiori (thousand flowers) technique. Their unique mosaic design and rare oval shape make these beads highly collectible and a stunning example of Venetian glassmaking artistry.
Size:
- Length: 13-14 mm
- Diameter: 12 mm
Condition:
- Very good vintage condition
- Lightly beveled edges with very light chipping at the ends
Each millefiori bead is crafted through an elaborate process where colorful glass canes are layered and fused, then sliced to reveal a floral mosaic. Known for their artistic beauty and cultural significance, these beads were not only a prized item in Venice but also in African regions, especially in Ghana, where they became a valued currency and symbol of prestige. Trade beads like these were widely exchanged, with their rich history embedded in each unique piece.
Explore more in our Millefiori Collection:
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