A restrung Western Asiatic lapis lazuli necklace, composed of large, flat, circular beads interspersed with smaller, cylindrical spacer beads. The largest flat bead serves as the pendant-like centrepiece of the necklace. 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 33cm when folded; beaded half length 19.5cm Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.