Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads, Mosaic Glass, 10x7mm

Four stunning antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass beads crafted in Venice, Italy, in the early 1900s. These beads, with their unique and intricate mosaic design, reflect a tradition of expert glassmaking, making them a true collectible for any bead enthusiast or jewelry designer. This exquisite set of beads boasts a delicate pattern of colors and details, showcasing the artisanal glasswork of Venice in each piece.

• Size: 10 mm x 7 mm

• Condition: Excellent condition overall; one bead has a very slight chip (refer to photos for details).

The Venetian millefiori technique combines layers of colored glass, each meticulously applied to create vibrant and decorative "mosaic" or "thousand-flower" patterns that appear on each bead. These beads are not only a testament to Venetian artisanship but also hold great historical value as African trade beads. Highly prized across West Africa, such beads played an important role in trade networks and became symbols of social status, cultural identity, and craftsmanship in Ghana and throughout Africa.

Explore more of TribalGH’s rare bead collections:

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