Western Asiatic Bronze Leaping Horned and Winged Lion

Raised from a single sheet, conical in form with concave body and everted rim; the body, executed in repoussè technique and chased details, decorated by a frieze of three male ibexes, rows of ovules under the rim and beneath the animals; the beasts with muscular bodies and curving horns, each reaching for a flower hanging from above, and eight-petalled flower to the base; late Elamite or Marlik; repaired. 148 grams, 11.7 cm high



with Mahboubian Gallery, New York, acquired prior to 1966. Property of a London gentleman. 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 a search certificate no.12167-220488.

Broad flat-section penannular band with bands of punched pellets, solar discs, herringbone and other ornament. 72.6 grams, 70 mm



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.

Modelled in the round, front and back paws formed as a one block, pierced lug to the back. 57.5 grams, 57 mm



with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s.

The lion was one of the most widely used symbols in Seljuk culture. They frequently used the word aslan, meaning lion, in the names of their Sultans and statesmen, such as Alparslan, "brave lion," Aslanshah, "lion king," and Aslandogmus, "lion born." Four of the Seljuk Sultans were named Kilicarslan, which combines the words for a sword and lion, and the interest in lions is clearly reflected in the art and architecture of the Seljuk period. Lion-head water spouts are to be found at a number of caravanserais, and lion statues guarded the portals to the city of Cardak Han in Anatolia, as well as carved onto the walls of the palace at Incir Han. The lion is also to be found on the coins of Sultan Giyaseddin II.