Achaemenid Bronze Rhyton with Horned Lion

5TH-4TH CENTURY B.C.

6 1/4 in. (748 grams, 16 cm).

With a curved tapering body, the protome formed as a mythical horned lion with folded wings, mouth with a hole and large hollow eyes to accept inlay, the short, dense mane marked with vertical grooves.

Provenance

From a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent.
Property of a New Zealand legal professional.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12325-223713.

Literature

Cf. Rawlinson, G.M.A., The five great Monarchies of the Ancient Eastern World, III vol., New York, 1881; Carter, M.L., Goldstein, S., Harper, P.O., Kawami, T.S., Meyers, P., Splendors of the Ancient East, Antiquities from the al-Sabah collection, London, 2013; Ebbinghaus, S., Feasting with gods, heroes, and kings, Cambridge, 2019, p.116, no.3.24, for similar specimen; cf. also a similar rhyton in the Miho Museum, Japan, inv.no. H-17.5 D-10 W-5.2.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a 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: Our Vetting Process

AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0243