Rare Antique Venetian Millefiori Glass Trade Bead - 24 x 11 mm Mosaic Bead

Discover an exquisite piece of history with this antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead, dating back to the early 1900s. This bead features the iconic murrine and intricate trail decorations that make it both visually captivating and culturally significant. Handcrafted in Venice, this rare bead’s artistic details showcase the exceptional skill of Venetian artisans and their mastery of millefiori techniques, a complex method of layering and slicing colored glass rods to achieve a unique “thousand flowers” effect.

Size:

• Length: 24 mm
• Diameter: 11 mm

Condition:

• Excellent condition with very light beveling and minor chips at the ends (refer to photos).

The Venetian millefiori beads, known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs, were highly sought after in West Africa, where they played a significant role in cultural exchanges and trade, especially in Ghana and across the African continent. These mosaic beads were more than adornments—they were symbols of wealth and status and an essential part of African heritage. Each bead tells a story, bridging artisans in Venice with the vibrant markets of Africa.

Explore more beautiful Millefiori beads in our collection:

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