Rare Antique Large Elbow Multimurrine Millefiori Venetian Glass Trade Bead

Discover a rare and beautifully crafted large elbow-shaped Venetian millefiori trade bead, adorned with intricate multimurrine mosaic patterns. This exquisite bead, originating from early 1900s Venice, showcases the remarkable artistry of Venetian glassmaking, featuring a vivid array of colors and intricate mosaic detailing that characterizes classic African trade beads.

• Size: 42 x 12 mm
• Condition: Very good (lightly beveled and minimally chipped at the ends; please see photos)

This bead is an excellent example of the storied tradition of Venetian glass beads, which were highly valued in African trade. Known as "millefiori" or "mosaic beads," these glass treasures were produced by layering and fusing colorful glass canes, resulting in beautiful floral and geometric designs within each bead. These beads held significant cultural and economic value in regions of Ghana and West Africa, where they were cherished not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their symbolic importance in trade and ceremonial use.

Whether you're a collector of antique beads or a jewelry designer looking to incorporate a piece of history into your creations, this Venetian elbow millefiori bead brings a touch of authentic beauty and cultural heritage to any collection.

Explore more from our collection:

• Current Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads Collection
• Explore Old Trade Beads
• Archived Millefiori Trade Beads