4th century BCE
A lion attacks a deer on this thin repoussé plaque. The lion, shown in profile to the left, has jumped onto the back of the deer and is biting its left shoulder. The lion’s limbs are rendered in high relief. The animal arches its back to bring its mouth down to the deer; the muscles on the top of the head and one ear are indicated, and the mane is rendered in wavy locks. The left forelimb is extended, while the left hind limb is crouched, and separate toes are indicated on each visible paw; part of the tail is visible under the hindquarters.
7.1 x 9.8 cm (2 13/16 x 3 7/8 in.)
From the collection of Charles Dikran Kelekian, who had owned it since Oct. 1948.
Lead-glazed ware: molded, white earthenware with amber-brown, lead-fluxed glaze
8th centuryChineseLead-glazed funerary ware: molded brick-red earthenware with applique elements and much degraded lead-fluxed emerald-green glaze
1st-2nd century CEChineseLimestone
2nd century CESyrianMarble
19th centuryAmericanYellowish green nephrite with caramel-brown skin in localized areas
18th centuryChinesePlaster with wood base
20th centuryAmericanBlack basalt
18th centuryBritishTerracotta
3rd-1st century BCEEtruscanTerracotta
GreekGilt bronze
5th centuryChineseBronze
10th century BCEIranianPlaster
19th centuryItalian