Arts of the Islamic World, including Fine Carpets and Textiles

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Lot 90
  • 90

A bronze lion's head from an incense burner, Khurasan, 11-12th century

Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

cast in the form of a smiling feline with open mouth and protruding tongue, pointed ears and long whiskers, pierced and engraved with palmette scrolls

Catalogue Note

Invested with characteristic vigour and humour, this is one of a classic Khurasanian type, of which examples can be found in major public and private collections, notably the Hermitage, The David Collection, The Louvre, The Cleveland Museum of Art and the monumental version in the Metropolitan Museum, dated A.H.577 or 579 [A.D.1181 or 1183]; see footnote to preceding lot for references.