This rare, large antique Venetian Millefiori mosaic glass trade bead is a stunning example of the vibrant, intricate craftsmanship of early 20th century Venetian bead-making. These beads, originally created in Venice, Italy, hold great historical significance as they were traded extensively in Africa, particularly in Ghana, during the early 1900s.
Size: 15 mm x 13 mm
Condition: Very good, with light beveling (see photos for details)
The unique design and vibrant colors of this bead, featuring intricate floral patterns, make it a rare and sought-after piece for collectors and jewelry designers alike. These Millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, were produced using an ancient technique where rods of glass (known as canes) were fused together, cut into cross-sections, and then used to decorate the surface of each bead.
Venetian Millefiori beads played a crucial role in African trade, where they were highly valued for their beauty and rarity. In regions like Ghana, they were often used as currency and held great cultural and symbolic significance.
