Millefiori Glass Beads Strand

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

Specifications:

• Origin: Venice
• Size:
  • Length: 97cm
  • Main Bead Size: 12mm x 7mm

Note: As this is 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 method

In Africa, these beads are known as "Cha-Cha-So." "Millefiori" is an Italian term meaning "a thousand flowers." Following the collapse of exclusive trade with the East and the market domination by Bohemian glass in Europe, Venice faced significant economic challenges. In response, Venetian artisans created vibrant decorative glass, with Millefiori glass being a prime example. Traders, who were already engaged in bead trade with Africa, crafted cylindrical glass beads from Millefiori glass and transported them to Africa as trade beads.