Loading, please wait...

Roman Bronze Lion Head Mount Roman Bronze Lion Head Mount Roman Bronze Lion Head Mount Roman Bronze Lion Head Mount Roman Bronze Lion Head Mount Roman Bronze Lion Head Mount
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0700

Roman Bronze Lion Head Mount

2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

4 in. (218 grams total, 10 cm high including stand).

Discoid mount with a lion-head modelled in the round to the centre, the beast with fierce expression and gaping jaws; mounted on a custom-made display stand.

Provenance

Private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Published

Exhibited at the Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 26th May-15th September 2025; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefacts on display.

Literature

Cf. similar appliques in Lăpusan, B., ‘Lion’s head mounts from Roman Dacia’ in Firea, C., Rustoiu, A., Sub Semnul Artei, Studii în onoarea academicianului Marius Porumb la 80 de ani Cluj-Napoca, 2023, pp.395-404, fig.1.

Footnotes

Bronze lions were chosen guardian figures for millennia in both the Greek and Roman worlds. Representations of lions have been discovered in various contexts, appearing on gates and tombs in ancient Greece and on Roman coffins (sarcophagi), where they symbolise victory of the soul over death and evil.

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 0700

Roman Bronze Lion Head Mount

Estimate £400 - 600€460 - 700 (for guidance only)$540 - 810 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Roman Bronze Mercury Statuette
    Roman Bronze Mercury Statuette
    Eastern Provincial, 3rd-4th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £715

    Modelled in the round, standing nude with attributes, cloak and caduceus on the left arm, coin-purse in the right hand; winged diadem; on a square base with stub legs. 102 grams, 10 cm



    Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Terracotta Fragments with Animals
    Roman Terracotta Fragments with Animals
    4th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £117

    Comprising two vessel rim fragments, the smaller with a leaping lion, the larger with scalloped border, crouching deer beneath a tree above and a leaping antelope below with a tree behind. 70 grams total, 56-94 mm



    Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Roman Bone Pin Implement Group
    Roman Bone Pin Implement Group
    3rd-4th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £247

    Each with hipped and tapering shank; balustered, aviform and other finials. 19.6 grams total, 9-16.6 cm



    Private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list