A Cast bronze water spout, Egypt or Spain, 11th century

of tubular form with spout terminal rendered in the form of a lion with gaping maw, the tap with openwork palmette handle

pitting and oxidisation, abrasions and minor losses to extremities, as viewed
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Zoomorphic forms are a salient feature of Spanish and Fatimid art in general and metalwork in particular, ranging from large freestanding figurines to small functional objects with animal-form spouts and finials. A very similar bronze tap with lion spout and handle is in the al-Sabah Collection, exhibited at the Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris and Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, in 1998-1999, (illustrated in Vienna 1998, p.110-112, no.65).  The open-jawed lion also appears on a pair of  eleventh-century Spanish vessel feet in the Museo Arqueológico y Etnológico de Granada found at Medina Elvira (illustrated in Ars Hispaniae 1951, p.328, fig.391b) and on a Spanish mortar in the Museo Balaguer (ibid, p.329, fig.394).