Presenting a beautiful and rare antique multimurrine millefiori Venetian mosaic glass trade bead, as referenced in Picard, Volume VI, p. 54, bead 1424. This exceptional bead, crafted in Venice, Italy, dates back to the early 1900s and was used extensively in the African trade, particularly in regions like Ghana and West Africa.
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Size: 45 x 13 mm
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Condition: Very good, with light beveling and minor chips at the ends (see photos)
This bead showcases the intricate artistry of Venetian glassmakers, featuring the classic multimurrine design typical of millefiori, or “thousand flowers,” beads. These beads were painstakingly crafted by fusing various colorful glass canes, which were sliced and arranged to create the beautiful mosaic patterns seen today.
The technique behind Venetian millefiori beads is a time-honored process developed in Venice, a center for glassmaking excellence. Each bead was meticulously handcrafted, resulting in a truly unique piece. These beads were highly valued during the African trade, especially in Ghana, where they played a significant role as currency and symbols of status and wealth.
Explore more rare and antique Venetian beads in our collections below:
Current Millefiori Mosaic Glass Beads Collection
Trade Beads Collection
Sold Millefiori Beads Archives
