When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Authentic Antique 19thC Venetian “Greasy Mustard Yellow” Millefiori Beads – 13pc African Trade Bead Lot
A beautiful 13-piece group of authentic antique 19th-century Venetian glass Millefiori beads, featuring a distinctive warm greasy mustard-yellow base with colorful red, white and blue glass elements.
This set includes 10 similarly sized beads, 2 larger examples, and 1 smaller bead, with natural variations in size, shape and decoration throughout the group.
The beads feature a dark to black inner core surrounded by layered glass cane construction. The decorative patterns consist of small red and white star-like or irregular “blob” elements surrounded by blue glass, along with visible glass trail lines and cane imprints. These colorful compound glass elements are revealed when the glass cane is sliced, creating the characteristic patterned appearance associated with Venetian Millefiori beads.
The individual patterned glass elements are examples of murrine, referring to sections of decorated glass cane that reveal their internal design when cut. The combination of the mustard-yellow ground, dark core, colorful star-like elements and trailing lines gives this particular group a wonderfully distinctive antique appearance.
Details of this 13-piece group:
- Authentic antique Venetian glass beads
- 19th-century period
- 13 pieces total
- 10 similar-sized beads
- 2 larger beads
- 1 smaller bead
- Warm mustard / “greasy yellow” base color
- Dark to black inner core
- Red, white and blue star-like / irregular glass elements
- Blue-bordered decorative elements
- Visible glass trail lines
- Visible cane imprints
- Millefiori / murrine construction
- Natural variation between individual beads
These beads are associated with the historic Venetian glass trade to West Africa, where Venetian glass beads were extensively traded and became part of longstanding commercial and cultural exchange networks.
Untouched Antique Condition
This group was discovered tucked inside a multicultural vintage estate bead collection and is being offered in its 100% untouched, uncleaned condition.
The beads have not been scrubbed, polished or cosmetically altered. Visible dirt and residue remain, consistent with years of storage, handling, travel and trade.
You will see rough edges, minor fracturing around some bore holes, surface pitting and other age-related characteristics throughout the group. These are visible in the photographs and are being left exactly as discovered.
Please examine all photographs carefully. The photographs are an important part of the description and show the individual beads, variations in size and decoration, bore holes, surface condition and antique wear.
A fascinating group for the antique bead collector, Venetian glass enthusiast, African trade bead collector, jewelry designer, researcher, or anyone who appreciates historic glass with its original age and character intact.
13 antique Venetian Millefiori beads total.
Offered exactly as discovered — authentic, antique, untouched and uncleaned.
