Western Asiatic Lapis Lazuli Beaded Necklace (No Reserve Price)






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Western Asiatic beaded necklace composed of lapis lazuli beads, circa 1st millennium BC, with long oval beads, spacer beads, and polygonal four-petaled floral beads; half-length about 37 cm (beaded half-length 21 cm); in good condition.
Description from the seller
A restrung Western Asiatic lapis lazuli beaded necklace. The body of the necklace is composed of long oval beads, interspersed with smaller rounded spacer beads, and two types of polygonal, four-petaled floral beads. The deep blue semi-precious stone displays contrasting white and golden brown striations, creating a polychrome effect. 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 (circa): Half-length 37cm, Beaded half-length 21cm
Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, 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 beaded necklace. The body of the necklace is composed of long oval beads, interspersed with smaller rounded spacer beads, and two types of polygonal, four-petaled floral beads. The deep blue semi-precious stone displays contrasting white and golden brown striations, creating a polychrome effect. 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 (circa): Half-length 37cm, Beaded half-length 21cm
Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, 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.**
