Antique Large Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Glass Trade Bead – African Trade

Explore this beautiful, rare, and large antique Venetian Millefiori mosaic glass trade bead, dating back to the early 1900s. Crafted in Venice, Italy, this bead was a significant part of the African trade, particularly in regions such as Ghana. The intricate mosaic design showcases the classic Millefiori technique, where "a thousand flowers" are fused to form stunning patterns. Key Features:

• Size: 33mm x 12mm
• Condition: Very good (lightly chipped with some hairline cracks, which do not compromise the strength or beauty of the bead)

These Millefiori beads were highly prized for their beauty and craftsmanship. Used as currency and trade items across Africa, particularly in Ghana, they were exchanged for goods and services, symbolizing wealth and status. The technique used to create these mosaic glass beads involved fusing multiple layers of colored glass to form intricate floral and geometric patterns. Venetian artisans were masters of this complex process, and their work was sought after worldwide. This bead, with its vibrant colors and bold design, is a striking example of their skill. Own a piece of history with this authentic Millefiori bead, once a cherished item in African trade.

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