A fine Western Asiatic gold bead with granulated decoration. The bead features a circular body, formed from two hemispherical domes with wide, open ends. Two bands of fine granulation encircle the middle. One opening of the bead is encircled by larger granules, whilst the opposing rim is warped, and would have originally also adorned with encircling granules. Some minor wear consistent with age, such as abrasions, scratches, and earthy encrustations. Many grand civilizations inhabited the area of Western Asia in antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity are 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 Western Asiatic jewellery production and were later adopted by the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. Measurements: L 0.6cm x W 0.7cm Weight: 0.61g Provenance: Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection, deceased, 1970-2010.