Tribalgh
Rare Antique Large Oval Millefiori Bead, Venetian Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, 14x12mm
Rare Antique Large Oval Millefiori Bead, Venetian Mosaic Glass Trade Bead, 14x12mm
This beautiful rare large oval Venetian millefiori bead is an exquisite example of early 20th-century Italian glass artistry, meticulously crafted for the African trade. Known as a mosaic glass bead, this exceptional millefiori bead features two distinct types of molded murrine, creating an intricate, colorful mosaic pattern that has retained its brilliance over time. Identified in Picard’s esteemed "Volume VI" (p. 50, bead 1238), this bead is a collector's piece that speaks to the rich history of Venetian craftsmanship and the African trade.
Each bead was carefully shaped to an oval size of 14x12 mm, perfect for adding a touch of authentic heritage to jewelry or for preservation in a private collection.
Specifications:
- Size: 14x12 mm
- Condition: Excellent with very light bevelling (see photos)
Venetian millefiori beads like this one were made with a technique unique to the glassmakers of Venice, who developed the millefiori or “thousand flowers” approach to produce intricate floral and geometric patterns within the glass itself. These mosaic trade beads played an essential role in the African trade networks of the early 1900s, especially in Ghana and other West African regions, where they were cherished for their beauty and often used as a medium of exchange. This historic bead captures both the artistry of Venice and the cultural significance of African trade beads.
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