Discover five beautiful antique Venetian Millefiori mosaic glass trade beads, rectangular in shape and crafted in the early 1900s. These stunning beads are a fine example of Venice's renowned bead-making tradition and were used in the African trade, making them an important part of history.
Size: Approx. 15 mm x 6 mm x 6 mm
Condition: Excellent condition with no visible damage or wear
These exquisite beads feature the vibrant, intricate millefiori design that Venetian glassmakers perfected. Each bead showcases a rich combination of colors and patterns, making them highly sought after by collectors and jewelry makers alike.
Millefiori, or "thousand flowers," is a glassmaking technique that dates back to ancient Roman times but was perfected in Venice during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In this process, rods of colored glass, known as canes, are bundled and fused together, then sliced into cross-sections to reveal flower-like patterns. These beads were then traded in Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they became symbols of wealth and status.
