Roman lion head handles , c.2nd-3rd century AD
Bronze
Diameter: 20.5 and 20.8cm
11245
A pair of sizeable, circular handles in the form of lion heads, cast in bronze in high relief, with thick manes arranged in two rows of short flame-like locks, from...
A pair of sizeable, circular handles in the form of lion heads, cast in bronze in high relief, with thick manes arranged in two rows of short flame-like locks, from which the small ears protrude, fully surround the snarling faces. Wide open eyes with incised pupils sit below furrowed and bulging brows. The mouths are open to reveal bared teeth and protruding tongues, behind which the smooth circular rings are suspended. Three iron pins at the edges of each for attach the plates to a surface. Intact with a green and red patina.
Lion head handles such as these are common from the Roman period, however the present pair are among the finest type to have survived.
At one time these handles would have been attached to a piece of furniture, likely made of wood, such as a chest, table, fulcrum or tripod. They are sometimes referred to as knockers, likely due to their presence on the false doors carved into long marble sarcophagi of the period.
Lion head handles such as these are common from the Roman period, however the present pair are among the finest type to have survived.
At one time these handles would have been attached to a piece of furniture, likely made of wood, such as a chest, table, fulcrum or tripod. They are sometimes referred to as knockers, likely due to their presence on the false doors carved into long marble sarcophagi of the period.
Provenance
Private collection, Germany; acquired 1960sKarsten Schubert, London, UK; inventory number AN 16
