Discover this rare, antique Venetian millefiori trade bead, a true collector’s item from the early 1900s. Crafted using the intricate Venetian murrine technique and trail decoration, this bead is a stunning example of Venetian glass artistry. Millefiori beads, also known as mosaic beads, were widely traded across Africa, making them an essential part of cultural exchange.
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Size: 19 x 10 mm
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Condition: Excellent
Each millefiori bead was meticulously crafted in Venice, Italy, by layering different colors of molten glass into rods, which were then sliced to create the intricate mosaic patterns seen on these beads. These beads played a significant role in the African trade, particularly in Ghana, where they were used as currency, status symbols, and in ceremonial events, becoming deeply embedded in local cultures. For more millefiori beads, browse our collections:
