An Egyptian Feldspar Bead Necklace, Middle Kingdom, ca. 2040 - 1783 BCE

Carved from a gorgeous piece of bright green mottled feldspar, the oblong bead having a large drill hole through the center and strung on an 18K gold chain. Feldspar was one of the six stones considered most precious by the Egyptians and was frequently listed with lapis lazuli and turquoise.  Being green, it was symbolic of new life just like turquoise and was the prescribed material for papyrus amulets in accordance with Chapters 159 and 160 of the Book of the Dead. Dimensions: Bead length: 11 mm. Strung on an 18-inch adjustable 18K gold chain. Condition: The bead is intact and in excellent condition. Provenance:   Private NYC collection, ex. CT collection, ex. John N. Winnie, Jr. collection, Georgia, 1980s-1990s.