Venetian Murano Millefiori Oval African Blue Core Trade Bead, Rare Beauty Vintage

A rare Venetian Murano trade bead with an African blue core and intricate millefiori pattern applied by hand—a piece of global history in glass. This unusually large oval bead features the distinctive murrine work characteristic of fine Italian craftsmanship, with notably different patterning on each side and a matte finish from age. A chip on one end is consistent with the bead's antique status; it remains a significant addition to any collection, acquired in the 1960s from travels in Africa.