A finely modelled Western Asiatic gold bead, pierced for suspension. The bead is composed of two hemispheres connected in the middle with a double filigree band. Each hemisphere is decorated with four hollow hemispheres, each surmounted with a trio of small granules. Signs of wear as consistent with its age, such as warping to the gold, earthly encrustations and minor cracks near the base of the hemispheres. 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: L 0.7cm x W 0.6cm Weight: 0.44 g Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.