1584 - Exceptional Western Asiatic Banded Agate Bead with Gold Caps. 2nd-1st millennium B.C. Discoid in plan and pierced transversely with D-shaped gold caps at each end; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. a necklace of agate, lapis lazuli and gold from Kish, of about 3000 B.C., in Farrington, O.C., Agate, Physical Properties and Origin,Chicago, 1927, pl.XIII. 88 grams total, 84 mm wide including stand (3 1/4 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)

Exceptional Western Asiatic Banded Agate Bead with Gold Caps. 2nd-1st millennium B.C. Discoid in plan and pierced transversely with D-shaped gold caps at each end; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. a necklace of agate, lapis lazuli and gold from Kish, of about 3000 B.C., in Farrington, O.C., Agate, Physical Properties and Origin,Chicago, 1927, pl.XIII. 88 grams total, 84 mm wide including stand (3 1/4 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) Private collection, acquired on the UK art market, 2000. Private collection, Switzerland. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12877-241681. The Sumerians used agate for beads and even for making ceremonial axe-heads. The engraving of agate, especially to produce cameos and intaglios, is an art which was principally cultivated by the Greeks and the Romans. In addition to the artistic excellence of the engravings, many of the early works show great skill in using the different colourings of the agate for decorating the figures. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.