Product Description: This is a strand of Millefiori glass beads, a beautiful and intricate type of Venetian beadwork. The strand consists of 49 beads, each meticulously crafted with a unique floral design that embodies the name "Millefiori," meaning "a thousand flowers" in Italian. The beads measure approximately 25mm x 10mm and the entire strand has a length of 123cm. Please note that due to the antique nature of these beads, there may be some imperfections such as scratches, cracks, or chips.

Specifications:

• Origin: Venice
• Size:
  • Number of Beads: 49
  • Strand Length: 123cm
  • Main Bead Size: 25mm x 10mm

Special Notes:

As these are antique items, they may have some signs of wear such as 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 "Chachaso." "Millefiori" means "a thousand flowers" in Italian. The creation of Millefiori glass was a response to the collapse of exclusive trade with the East and the market dominance of Bohemian glass in Europe, which significantly impacted Venice's trade economy. Venetian artisans developed these decorative glass beads to compete in the market. Traders who were already engaged in bead trade with Africa used these Millefiori glass beads to create cylindrical beads, which were then transported to Africa as trade beads.