Roman Bronze Casket Foot with Lion

$410.71

A bronze casket in the form of a pillar merged with a lion head, mane and paw. It stands on the lion’s foot, and rises to a pillar with a square-section lug above. A geometric motif consisting of ‘x’ cover the front face of the pillar above the head. The side reveals a curvature in the pillar behind the lion body. The reverse is bare. Some patination visible.

 

Date: Circa 1st - 2nd Century AD
Condition: Very Fine Condition

In stock

Casket or chest legs are almost always found detached, as the material comprising the body of the furniture (usually wood) has not survive. They were used for various containers, such as capsaacerra, and pyxides (cosmetic and incense jars).

The use of lions in Roman art returns to the symbolic significance of the animal. Lions were perceived as an emblem of strength, justice and even sovereignty; they were compared to the Roman’s secular government. Withing Roman art there are various depictions of lions attacking other animals or barbarians and the allegory is clear. The lion symbolised the victory of Roman Imperial strength over the barbarian enemy.

Weight 67.5 g
Dimensions L 10 x W 1.3 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

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