Roman Bronze Lion's Head Handle Ancient Art Ii-iii.

Bronze with green patina.
Eastern Roman art / Levant
2nd-3rd century.
Diameter: 13cm
height with ring: 19 cm

These bronze lion head handles were produced in a set of four pieces to be attached to wooden sarcophagi a typical production of the Eastern Mediterranean, many parallels can be found in Thomas Weber's book Syrisch-römische Sarkophagbeschläge.

The handle is decorated with a lion's head with a radiant mane with incised details, large almond-shaped eyes with dilated pupils, the fluted ring is inserted in the open mouth. Three holes were used to attach the handle to the wood (the ferrous metal nail heads still remain in place)

provenance: from an old french collection / public sale 

bibliography:
Thomas Weber: Syrisch-römische Sarkophagbeschläge, Mainz / Rh. 1989

public sales:
https://www.debaecque.fr/lot/86826/8016541-poignee-de-porte-en-forme-de-t

https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5408080

https://www.pba-auctions.com/en/lot/86497/7883009-heurtoir-a-la-tete-de-lion-gra