Western Asiatic Bronze Leaping Horned and Winged Lion

A Nabataean or Hellenistic libation table with drum-shaped body and four stub legs ending in bovine hooves; circumferential bands of egg-and-dart ornament, ropework ornament to the rim, dished upper face to accept votive offerings. 19.2 kg, 25 cm



Ex Paris collection. French gallery, Paris, 1990-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11927-209636.

Rooms in Greek and Roman houses were largely devoid of furniture, and instead more emphasis was given to the display of works of art: mosaic floors, wall paintings, and freestanding bronze and marble sculpture. However, domestic altars have been found in various Greek and Roman houses (especially in Pompeii). This unusual small table with its elaborate support was likely to have been used to deposit fruit, sweets and other types of small gifts as offerings. Such tables were used in all the Greek and provincial Roman world, even by the Nabataean Arabs during the Roman period.

Standing on a D-shaped base with perforations to the outer edge, ring-and-dot motifs to the flanks, pierced ears and perforation to the shoulders. 21.2 grams, 44 mm



Acquired London art market, 1960s-1980s. Ex property of a Hertfordshire, UK collector. Acquired on the UK art market in 2016. Property of a Kent lady collector.

Comprising two fragments of sheet bronze each with one straight edge and nail-holes or attachment, inked or painted Aramaic text; mounted in a display case. 214 grams total, 13 x 13.5 cm including case



Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.