Discover a rare and beautiful antique rectangular Venetian millefiori glass trade bead, a true piece of history from the early 1900s. Crafted in Venice, Italy, this stunning bead was once used in African trade, making it a valuable collectible for bead enthusiasts and historians alike.
Size: 30 x 12 mm
Condition: Very good (slight chipping at the ends, please see photos for details)
These exquisite millefiori (mosaic) beads were made using an intricate technique developed in Venice, where glass rods were fused together to create the vibrant floral patterns within each bead. This bead not only holds artistic value but also carries historical significance, having played a key role in trade with Ghana and other parts of Africa. Beads like these were once exchanged for gold, ivory, and other goods, deeply influencing African culture and trade routes.
