A finely polished cylindrical bead pendant carved from brecciated jasper, displaying rich reddish-brown inclusions within a pale cream-colored matrix. The bead is drilled longitudinally for suspension and carefully polished to emphasize the natural beauty of the stone. Hardstone beads of this type were highly prized in the ancient Near East, particularly during the Neo-Assyrian period, when vividly patterned stones were used in jewelry, amulets, and elite personal adornment. Assyrian craftsmen valued exotic and visually striking materials obtained through long-distance trade networks extending across Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the Iranian plateau. The present example is especially attractive for its dramatic marbled surface and well-preserved polished finish. Medium: Jasper Dimensions: Bead length: 5/8 inch (1.6 cm) Condition: The pendant is intact and in excellent condition overall. It is re-strung as a necklace on a modern 18K yellow gold chain that can be adjusted up to 18 inches. Provenance: Collection of Henry Anavian, Sumer Gallery, NYC., 1980’s, then to family by inheritance.
