Millefiori Glass Beads Strand

Product Description: This is a strand of Millefiori glass beads.

Specifications:

• Origin: Venice
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 143cm
  • Main Beads Size: 12mm x 9mm
• Note: As an antique item, it may have scratches, cracks, or chips.

About Millefiori:

Era: Late 1800s to early 1900s

Origin: Venice

Technique: Mosaic application or mosaic inlay

In Africa, these beads are known as "Chachasso." The term "Millefiori" is Italian for "a thousand flowers." Following the collapse of exclusive trade with the East and the rise of Bohemian glass dominating the European market, Venice faced significant economic challenges. In response, they created highly decorative glass, with Millefiori glass being a prime example. Traders who were already engaged in bead trade with Africa fashioned tubular glass beads from Millefiori glass and transported them to Africa as trade beads.