Description:

Ancient Central / Western Asia, Bactrian Empire, ca. 1st millennium BCE. A stunning necklace comprised of 37 carved stone beads - made from banded agate, rock crystal, and greenstone - and 38 discoid carnelian spacer beads. The colorful ensemble displays a palette of pearl, tan, periwinkle, espresso, lime, vermilion, grey, and citrine hues, and the largest, central-most bead boasts a nearly-symmetrical bichrome appearance. Most beads have been meticulously polished to a lustrous sheen, though some still retain their natural texture. Capped with a modern 13K gold loop and shepherd's clasp combo, this is a fabulous and wearable example of fine Bactrian artistry! Size (necklace): 24.125" L (61.3 cm); size (largest bead): 0.7" Diameter (1.8 cm); quality of gold: 13K.

Provenance: private Liu collection, New York, USA; ex-Christie's, London, 1983

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#140018

  • Condition: Strung in modern times and wearable as shown. Stone beads are ancient while string and gold components are modern. Some beads have minor abrasions and some light encrustations, otherwise all are intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.

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February 6, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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