Brass Lion Sitting
| Categories | Figural - Animals & Living Creatures |
| Type | Lion |
| Material | Brass |
| Markings | Unmarked |
| Manufacturer | Undetermined |
| Origin | France |
| Date or Era | circa 1880 |
The piece is made of cast brass with a gilded or “ormolu” finish. It depicts a lion sejant (a sitting lion with forelegs straight) in a majestic, watchful pose.
- The Base: The lion sits on a rectangular plinth with truncated (clipped) corners, giving it an octagonal profile. The most distinctive feature is the gadrooned (rope-twist) border surrounding the base, a motif popular in both Neoclassical and Victorian design.
- The Ink Pot: The lion’s head is designed to tilt back on a hinge to reveal the ink reservoir. The interior holds a removable white porcelain/ceramic inkwell liner. The hinge on the head is broken.
Origin and Age
Based on the style and the assembly (the use of nuts and pins to attach the lion to the base, this piece is characteristic of late 19th-century desk accessories.
- Where it was made: Most likely France. French foundries in the late 19th century specialized in these “Napoleon III” style animalier bronzes.
- Age: circa 1870–1890
Sold for $253 in March 2026
Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.
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