Discover a rare antique Venetian millefiori mosaic glass trade bead, featured in Picard, Volume VI, page 43, bead 856. This exquisite bead, dating back to the early 1900s, played a key role in the African trade. The bead's design highlights the master craftsmanship of Venice, known for producing some of the world's most coveted mosaic beads. Millefiori beads, also called mosaic beads, were sought after for their vibrant patterns and rich history.
Size: 22 x 10 mm
Condition: Very good condition, lightly beveled (see photos)
Venetian millefiori beads were meticulously crafted using the ancient mosaic technique, where rods of colored glass (canes) were fused and sliced to create intricate floral and geometric patterns. Each bead represents a blend of art and history, made in Venice and widely traded in Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they were used as currency and symbols of wealth and status. These beads continue to be highly prized by collectors and bead enthusiasts worldwide.
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