Rare Antique Large Oval Venetian Millefiori Trade Bead, African Glass Bead

Presenting an exquisite, rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead that captures the artistry and history of Venetian glasswork. This bead, created in Venice during the late 1800s to early 1900s, is an elegant example of the oval-shaped millefiori style, crafted using the renowned "murrine" and intricate trail decoration techniques. With its brilliant mosaic pattern and enduring quality, this bead is a stunning relic of African trade history, a true collector’s item for bead enthusiasts and historians alike.

• Size: 19x11 mm
• Condition: Excellent

Each Venetian millefiori bead is crafted through an elaborate glass-making process in which multiple colored glass rods, known as "murrine," are fused together to create stunning, flower-like patterns. These beads played a vital role in African trade, valued for their vibrant beauty and quality craftsmanship. Today, these artifacts are celebrated not only for their beauty but for their historical importance in connecting Venetian artisans with cultures across Africa, especially in regions such as Ghana, where they remain prized in traditional jewelry.

Discover more treasures from our collections:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads for Sale
• Archive of Sold Millefiori Beads