A selection of Western Asiatic beads in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. The selection includes beads of glass, hardstone, faience and lapis lazuli in hues of mostly yellow, green blue, red, orange and beige amongst others. The beads range in shape across spherical, cylindrical, barrel-shaped, disc-shaped and teardrop shaped. Some feature translucency, engraving and natural striations. All beads are perforated through the centre for threading and suspension. Some wear and earthy encrustations consistent with age. In every ancient culture which falls under the period ‘Antiquity’, there is evidence of jewellery. Many grand civilisations inhabited the area of Western Asia in antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity are demonstrated through their sophisticated jewellery making. Precious and semi-precious stones, such as agate, lapis lazuli, and carnelian, were also widely used as well as glass, coral, stones and metal. Measurements: Between 0.1cm and 1.6cm in length Provenance: Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.