- 120
A Copper-inlaid Bronze Weight in the form of a Lion, Khurasan, 12th Century
Estimate
8,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
cast in the form of a reclining lion with forepaws outstretched, the body decorated with incised cartouches filled with inscriptions, crescent motifs and scrolls
Condition
Pitting and patination to surface, one forepaw broken, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
inscriptions
bi'l-yumn wa al-bara[ka ?]bi'l- .../... al-yumn
'With Good-fortune and Blessing .... Good-fortune'
A similar lion was sold in these rooms, 24 October, lot 94. Other examples are recorded in the Hariri Collection, published in Pope and Ackermann 1938-9, p.1306, nos. B and C). The function of these figurines is still a matter of debate: Pope believed them to be pumice holders; others insist that they are purely ornamental. The inclusion of lead in the interior of the present example suggests that it was used as a weight.