Lot 78
78
A FATIMID CARVED WHITE MARBLE WATER SPOUT IN THE FORM OF A LION
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A FATIMID CARVED WHITE MARBLE WATER SPOUT IN THE FORM OF A LION

PROBABLY EGYPT, CIRCA 12TH CENTURY

Details
A FATIMID CARVED WHITE MARBLE WATER SPOUT IN THE FORM OF A LION
PROBABLY EGYPT, CIRCA 12TH CENTURY
Comprising a square section trough terminating in a bold lion's head with scrolling moustache and open maw, flanked by the two forepaws, extremities chipped
16½in. (42.5cm.) long
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

A very similar spout with slightly finer detailing, atributed to "probably Sicily" was offered at Sotheby's 13 October 2004, lot 36. Their attribution was made principally on the basis of the similarity of the features to those of a bronze lion sold in the same rooms which had also been attributed to Sicily. It also noted that Fatimid Egypt was a very strong influence on the arts of Norman Sicily. The present example has stronger features and much more protruberant eyes.

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