Ca. 1100-1200 ADA beautiful cast bronze figurine depicting a lion standing in profile atop an integral flat base. Its captivating visage comprises of a large nose, rounded perky ears, and hollow eyes. Its dramatic countenance is enhanced by incised diagonal lines to represent fur surrounding the mouth. Its body stands with a strong posture connoting pride. An outstanding example of Seljuk metalwork. The Seljuks were a Turkic dynasty of Central Asian nomadic origins. Having defeated the Ghaznavids in the eleventh century they took over Baghdad in 1055 AD. For a similar see The Louvre Museum, Main number: MAO S. 725.Size: L:48mm / W:52mm ; 85gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.