Western Asiatic Lapis Lazuli Beaded Necklace (No Reserve Price)






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Western Asiatic beaded necklace made of lapis lazuli, circa the 1st millennium BC, in very good condition, restrung with small cylindrical beads and a central flat kite-shaped pendant bead, half-length 30.3 cm.
Description from the seller
A restrung Western Asiatic lapis lazuli necklace composed of small cylindrical beads varying in shades of dark blue. The deep blue semi-precious stone is banded with contrasting white and golden brown striations, creating a polychrome effect. At the centre of the necklace is a flat kite-shaped bead acting as a pendant. Please note this necklace is unclasped and threaded on string.
Lapis lazuli was and still is highly regarded in Mesopotamia and the Near East. Ancient rulers and members of the elite showed their high esteem for the stone by often burying themselves with ornaments made partially or entirely from this semi-precious stone. Even before their adoration for this beautiful vibrant stone, its popularity and mining occurred firstly in the Neolithic period, when it was first excavated in the Near East and exported to the Mediterranean area of South Asia.
Measurements: Half length 30.3 cm
Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection (owner now deceased), 1970-2010.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
A restrung Western Asiatic lapis lazuli necklace composed of small cylindrical beads varying in shades of dark blue. The deep blue semi-precious stone is banded with contrasting white and golden brown striations, creating a polychrome effect. At the centre of the necklace is a flat kite-shaped bead acting as a pendant. Please note this necklace is unclasped and threaded on string.
Lapis lazuli was and still is highly regarded in Mesopotamia and the Near East. Ancient rulers and members of the elite showed their high esteem for the stone by often burying themselves with ornaments made partially or entirely from this semi-precious stone. Even before their adoration for this beautiful vibrant stone, its popularity and mining occurred firstly in the Neolithic period, when it was first excavated in the Near East and exported to the Mediterranean area of South Asia.
Measurements: Half length 30.3 cm
Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection (owner now deceased), 1970-2010.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
