Western Asiatic Gold Rectangular Bead (No reserve price)





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Description from the seller
A fine Western Asiatic gold rectangular bead, composed of two adjoined tubes formed from gold sheets. The piece is decorated with granulation at each end consisting two rows of flattened globular modules. A vertical and horizontal band of granulation, intersecting each other at the centre, further enrich the body. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as tarnishing, surface pitting, and indentations to the surface. Encrustations filled one of the tubes.
Many grand civilizations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity is witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold would have been hammered down to a thin layer and manipulated into different shapes. Gold, electrum and silver jewellery would have featured gold granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Fine granulation, as we can see on this item, along with filigree, were at the centre of Near Eastern and Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans.
Measurements: L 1.1cm x W 0.5cm
Weight: 0.42g
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 fine Western Asiatic gold rectangular bead, composed of two adjoined tubes formed from gold sheets. The piece is decorated with granulation at each end consisting two rows of flattened globular modules. A vertical and horizontal band of granulation, intersecting each other at the centre, further enrich the body. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as tarnishing, surface pitting, and indentations to the surface. Encrustations filled one of the tubes.
Many grand civilizations inhabited the area of Western Asia in Antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity is witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold would have been hammered down to a thin layer and manipulated into different shapes. Gold, electrum and silver jewellery would have featured gold granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Fine granulation, as we can see on this item, along with filigree, were at the centre of Near Eastern and Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans.
Measurements: L 1.1cm x W 0.5cm
Weight: 0.42g
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
Details
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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.
