Ornament with a pair of lions

Ornament with a pair of lions; bronze, cast, with traces of gilding. The piece, oval-shaped with a foliate border, is cast in openwork and decorate with a pair of addorsed lions, their bodies twisted and heads turned to face each other. The animals are joined by arabesque bands and enclosed by a frame. A small hole appears at the top and there is an arched loop at the base. Traces of gilding remain in the incised lines on the animals and around the borders.

Historical period(s)
Saljuq period, 13th century?
Medium
Bronze, traces of gilding
Dimensions
H x W: 5.4 x 6.2 cm (2 1/8 x 2 7/16 in)
Geography
Turkey
Credit Line
Anonymous gift
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1978.48
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jewelry and Ornament, Metalwork
Type

Ornament

Keywords
lion, Saljuq period (1037 - 1300), Turkey
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Ornament with a pair of lions; bronze, cast, with traces of gilding. The piece, oval-shaped with a foliate border, is cast in openwork and decorate with a pair of addorsed lions, their bodies twisted and heads turned to face each other. The animals are joined by arabesque bands and enclosed by a frame. A small hole appears at the top and there is an arched loop at the base. Traces of gilding remain in the incised lines on the animals and around the borders.

Published References
  • Mr. Yanni Petsopoulos. Tulips, Arabesques, and Turbans: Decorative Arts from the Ottoman Empire. New York and London. pp. 37, 44, pl. 22.
  • Dr. Esin Atil, W. Thomas Chase, Paul Jett. Islamic Metalwork in the Freer Gallery of Art. Washington, 1985. p. 268.
Collection Area(s)
Arts of the Islamic World
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use