Introducing a rare and beautiful antique Venetian millefiori trade bead from the early 1900s. This unique mosaic glass bead is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of African trade beads. Mentioned in Picard, Volume VI, p. 69, strand 7, this bead is an authentic piece of history that played a vital role in trade with Africa.
Size: 15 x 10 mm
Condition: Very good (lightly beveled)
This exquisite bead showcases the millefiori (thousand flowers) technique, a traditional glassworking process perfected in Venice, Italy. Each bead is a vibrant mosaic of colors, carefully arranged in a complex design. Millefiori beads like this were often used in African trade, especially in Ghana, where they were prized for their intricate beauty and craftsmanship.
Explore more rare and antique beads from our collection:
