A delicate Western Asiatic granular gold bead. The bead is composed of twelve gold granules, with six granules forming a ring at the centre. Six further granules, slightly larger in size, radiate out from the central ring, above the gap between two granules, creating a floral design. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as some warping, scratches, and tarnishing. Many grand civilisations inhabited the area of the Near East and Western Asia in Antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity is witnessed by the very sophisticated precious metal crafting of jewellery. Gold beads would have been a part of elaborate larger pieces, such as on necklaces or bracelets in the area of Western Asia. Beautiful precious and semi-precious stones would have been added in the larger pieces to signify wealth and social status. These styles were at the centre of Near Eastern and Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. Gold necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets would have been worn in everyday life but also buried with the deceased. Measurements: (circa) L 1.1cm x W 1.1cm Weight: 1.30g Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.