**First Time At Auction**

Europe, Venice (modern day Italy), found in western Africa, ca. 18th to early 19th century CE (trade beads) and Ethiopia, ca. 20th century CE (prayer beads). A strand of thirty-nine large, heavy, colorful glass millefiori cylinder beads (also known as mosaic glass). Two strands of approximately sixty round, hollow, silver aluminum prayer beads and one larger, trumpet shaped bead of the same material. Size of largest bead (millefiori): 0.5" W x 1.25" H (1.3 cm x 3.2 cm)

To make millefiori beads, artisans produce glass canes or rods, called murrine, by layering different-colored glass around a core. At this stage, their multicolored patterns are only visible from the cut ends of the cane. The rods are heated in a furnace and stretched until thin, then cut into beads. These beads have a grim history, as they were used by Europeans to trade for slaves in Africa.

Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#126095

Prayer beads have patina on surface from age and handling. Small chips to glass on approximately one third of the trade beads. Modern stringing of both.