Add a touch of history to your collection with this rare, large Venetian multimurrine millefiori mosaic glass trade bead. Crafted in Venice in the early 1900s, this exquisite bead is a testament to the artistry of the millefiori technique, combining vibrant glass canes to form a beautiful mosaic pattern. Known for its intricate "multimurrine" design, this bead was widely treasured and traded in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, where such beads held cultural significance and were often regarded as symbols of wealth.
Size:
Length: 40 mm
Width: 10 mm
Condition:
Excellent condition with only very light chipping at the ends. Please see photos for details.
About Millefiori Trade Beads: Venetian millefiori beads, or mosaic beads, were painstakingly handcrafted using the ancient glassmaking technique of arranging colored glass canes, known as murrine, to form intricate floral and geometric patterns. Venetian artisans perfected this craft, producing beads that were not only artistic marvels but also cultural artifacts. By the early 1900s, these beads found their way into African trade routes, where they became highly prized by communities in West Africa. They continue to hold historical and cultural significance in regions like Ghana, symbolizing the enduring legacy of African trade beads in global culture.
