Squatting Lion

Location: Iran

Materials: quaternary alloy, cast and engraved

Dimensions: 13cm (height)

Accession Number: MTW 916

Other Notes:

The body of the lion has been ingeniously compressed to include merely the protome and the rump, and though lions do not squat this conveys a very lively impression. The legs have jewelled anklets and the neck an engraved chain or fillet reminiscent of a leash. The slit and the flat projection in the beast’s back indicate that it was a support from some horizontal object, such as a large tray.

Bibliography:

J.M. Rogers, The Arts of Islam. Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection, London 2010, cat.102, p.95.