A restrung Western Asiatic necklace comprised of lapis lazuli beads. The body of the necklace is made up of rounded beads, tubular beads, and irregularly-shaped beads arranged with larger beads mostly interspersed by groups of smaller beads. The pendant of the necklace is made up of three beads, one large tubular bead, one large, faceted bead, and a flat bead with a shallow concave base. Each bead is a varying hue, consistent with the natural colouration of the stone, and size, consistent with this period of jewellery production. The necklace is in good condition, with signs of wear and earthy encrustations, consistent with the object’s age. Please note that this necklace is unclasped and threaded on string. Lapis lazuli was and still is highly regarded in Mesopotamia and the Near East. The burials of ancient rulers and members of the elite, often filled with lapis lazuli ornaments, demonstrate the high esteem of this material across cultures. Such evidence dates back to the Neolithic period, when this material first began to be excavated in the Near East and exported around the Mediterranean. Measurements (approx.): Beaded half length 20.0cm; Half-length 37cm Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.