A small, delicate Western Asiatic gold bead featuring an ovoid body. The bead has been perforated for suspension, and raised rims around the perforations decorate either end. A loop has been added to the top, also for suspension, though this has been twisted and warped. Earthly encrustations and tarnishing to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as some cracks, chipping, scratches, and indentations. Please note, this is a small bead. Measurements provided below. Many grand civilisations 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 and silver jewellery would have featured gold granules, glass and semi-precious stone inlays and detailed engravings. Very fine granulation 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 0.6cm x H 0.6cm Weight: 0.17g Provenance: From an Ex Japanese gentleman's (deceased) private collection, formed 1970s-2010.