Rare Antique Oval Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Glass Trade Beads

Discover a beautiful set of rare, matching antique Venetian millefiori beads crafted in exquisite oval shapes with intricate murrine and distinctive trail decorations. These striking mosaic glass beads are not only a stunning display of Venetian craftsmanship but also a remarkable part of African trade history, dating back to the early 1900s.

Each bead has been carefully preserved in very good condition, with only a light beveling around the edges to reveal their age and authenticity.

Bead Sizes:

• Length: 11-12 mm
• Width: 10 mm

Condition:

• Very good condition (very lightly beveled; please refer to photos).

Venetian millefiori, or “thousand flowers,” beads were made with elaborate glassworking techniques perfected in Venice, Italy. Artisans created these intricate beads by layering and stretching colorful glass canes, known as murrine, into beautiful floral and geometric patterns. These beads became essential trade items in Africa, especially in Ghana, where they were cherished for their beauty and cultural significance. Today, millefiori beads continue to be admired for their craftsmanship and historical importance.

Explore more of our antique collections here:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Old Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads Collection