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Brooch in the form of a lion

Near Eastern, Anatolian, Phrygian
Iron Age
late 8th–early 7th century B.C.
Place of Manufacture: central Anatolia

Medium/Technique Gold
Dimensions Height x width x length: 4 x 3.5 x 8 cm (1 9/16 x 1 3/8 x 3 1/8 in.)
Credit Line William Stevenson Smith Fund
Accession Number1974.411
ClassificationsJewelry / AdornmentBrooches

DescriptionThis gold brooch in the form of a roaring, couchant lion was probably intended to be worn on the shoulder. The form of the brooch parallels East Greek and Lydian brooches, but the angular, stylized head suggests the work of a Phrygian artist. The figure of the lion is set on a "tray" with the pin-fastener on the underside.
Provenance1974, sold by Mohammad Yeganeh (dealer; b. 1929 - d. 2012), Frankfurt, to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 12, 1974)