Antique Round Venetian Millefiori Mosaic Beads - Rare African Trade Beads

Discover a set of three exquisite and exceptionally rare round Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, renowned for their beauty and historical significance in the African trade. These beads are highlighted in Picard's reference work (Volume VI, p.69, strand 17), underscoring their rarity and value to collectors and bead enthusiasts. Crafted with vibrant and intricate mosaic patterns, these beads capture the unique artistry of Venetian glassmaking.

Specifications:

• Diameter: 15 - 16 mm
• Condition: Very good (beveled)
• Era: Early 1900s African trade

These remarkable antique beads were expertly crafted in Venice, Italy, using the millefiori technique—a method in which glass rods, or "murrine," are bundled, heated, and sliced to reveal mesmerizing floral and geometric designs. Venetian artisans perfected this skill, producing beads that would become highly prized in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, where trade beads symbolized wealth, status, and cultural exchange.

Links:
Explore more from TribalGH's millefiori bead collection:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Antique Trade Beads Collection
• Sold Millefiori Beads Archive