A restrung Western Asiatic lapis lazuli necklace featuring intensely dark blue stone beads carved into different shapes, including rectangular, polygon, cylindrical and pointed. Some cylindrical and pointed beads are engraved with linear patterns. A larger polygonal bead forms a pendant at the centre of the composition. The stones display different hues of blue with natural white, cream and golden striations. Please note this necklace is unclasped and threaded on string. Lapis lazuli stone was highly regarded in Mesopotamia and the Near East in general. Rulers and members of the elite had the custom of being buried with ornaments made partly or entirely of this semi-precious stone, originally from Afghanistan. The first use of this beautiful, vibrant rich blue stone dates back to the Neolithic, when it was first mined in Afghanistan and exported to the Mediterranean area and South Asia. Length: 43.5cm half length when folded, beaded length is 23cm Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.