A restrung Western Asiatic necklace composed of small cylindrical lapis lazuli beads, each of uniform size and shape. A stack of beads finished with a flat, rhombus-shaped bead, chipped to one side, with white and golden-brown striations forms a pendant at the centre of a necklace. The blue semi-precious stone presents a range of deep shades, creating an attractive multi-chrome 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) beaded half length 18cm Provenance: Ex Japanese private collection (owner now deceased), 1970-2010.