North American Auction Company
Live Auction

Western Antique Auction September 11th 2021

Sat, Sep 11, 2021 11:00AM EDT
Lot 336

Millefiori Beads From The West African Trade

Estimate: $300 - $600

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
Offered in this lot is a collection of Millefiori beads from West African trade. This type of bead was made in Venice for trade with West Africa, predominantly. Although "MIllefiori" translates to "Many Flowers”, the "Murrine canes" used to make the beads are also in this group and are sometime sold as beads themselves. This collection starts with a rare Millefiori Face Bead. This bead is 1" X 3/8" and has over Twenty "Faces" in it; many "face" beads have one or two. The bead is done in white, yellow, red, and black and the "faces" are very clear. This bead, by itself, has sold for $200. Next is a group of "Murrine beads". Murrine canes are used to make Millefiori beads. These six beads are a yellow, green, red, blue, and white stripe. Five pieces of this cane are approximately 1/2" long X 1/2" wide. There is one piece that is 2" long with a slight curve. This "elbow cane bead" is not common in this size. The next two beads have black cores with a white outer layer and red, white, and blue flowers. These two beads are 3/4" X 1/2" and have a letter of appraisal for $25-$75 each. The next three beads are yellow banded blue and white beads. These beads measure approximately5/8" long X 5/16 wide. There are chips on the ends of these beads, but their bright color is striking. The next bead is a dark green core with white and bright green flowers. This bead measures 1/2" X 1/4". The last bead is a green with white, yellow, and black. This bead measures 1/2" X 3/8". These beads are in good condition. Provenance: (2) beads letter of appraisal from Out-West Designs, L. W. Dinneen, with a value of $25-75 each. Collection tag on "Face" bead with cost of $200.
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