Bidspirit auction | Venetian Millefiori Trade Bead Necklace

Venetian Millefiori Trade Bead Necklace - Venetian Millefiori Trade Bead Necklace. Likely Venice manufacture, late 19th century Composed of a continuous strand of vibrant polychrome millefiori glass beads, each of tubular form and richly decorated with tightly packed mosaic canes in repeating floral and geometric motifs. The beads display a lively palette of ochre, cobalt, white, and brick red tones, characteristic of Venetian production intended for the African trade. The uniformity of scale and the crisp preservation of the intricate cane work suggest a carefully assembled strand, with pleasing visual rhythm and strong decorative presence when worn or displayed. Millefiori beads of this type were widely exchanged throughout West Africa, where they came to signify wealth and status, and remain highly sought after by collectors today. Length: 30 in. (76 cm)Beads: approx. 1/2 in. each Family collection of an esteemed diplomat and ambassador amassed during travel and work circa 1960-1990s in the medical field providing charitable advanced medical care throughout the African continent and internationally.