Pair of Medieval Recumbent Lions
SKU: 93MCN
Couldn't load collection availability
Free UK Mainland Delivery
Free UK Mainland Delivery
For all items we offer free UK Mainland Delivery to your door. We also provide a personalised delivery service for specific days and more complex deliveries or item placements. However, advanced arrangements are required, as additional costs may apply.
International Purchases
International Purchases
At check out select ‘Pick up’ (do not select 'Ship') to enable purchase then contact us direct for your shipping quote. Contact us for a quote
International shipping
International shipping
International delivery, crating, shipping and insurance can be arranged and quoted for at your request. Additional costs will apply. Please contact us should you require our assistance with this service. Alternatively select ‘Pick up’ at checkout to collect the item yourself with your own Shipping Agent from our UK showroom. Contact us for a quote
A unique pair of naively carved limestone late Medieval recumbent Lions circa 13-15th Century AD.
This rare pair of fantastic beasts were based upon the notion and description of a Lion, and we can safely assume the Master Craftsman had never actually seen one himself! Possibly created as a pair of Grotesques, but equally they could have been commissioned by a wealthy client to adorn their home or garden.
Worth noting are the rigid extended legs, and the rather wonderfully expressive manes. With a humanesque quality to their facial expressions and a naivety which is incredibly charming, this pair of Lions are also reminiscent of the Medieval depictions of the Manticore.
The manticore is one of the most bizarre and ferocious creatures depicted throughout classical and Medieval bestiaries. The creature was first mentioned in text and stories from ancient Persia 404-359 BC.
See attached image from a depiction of a manticore from the British Library.
- Width: 22 cm (8.66″)
- Height: 29 cm (11.42″)
- Depth: 57 cm (22.44″)
