Discover a rare matching pair of antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade beads. These exquisite beads, crafted in the early 1900s, are a remarkable example of Venetian artistry used in the African trade. They feature the distinctive millefiori mosaic design, a technique perfected by Venetian glassmakers and coveted by collectors worldwide.
Size: 28-29mm x 11mm
Condition: Very good, beveled with light chipping at the ends (see photos)
The millefiori technique, meaning "a thousand flowers" in Italian, involves layering glass canes to create intricate floral patterns. These beads were made in Venice and later traded in Africa, where they became highly valued in regions like Ghana. As symbols of wealth and status, these beads played a significant role in African cultural and economic exchanges during the early 20th century.
Browse more of our unique trade beads in the following collections:
