Small 15th century bronze or tin Lion

Lion in bronze or tin
Flanders or Wallonia, 15th century
Height: 10.2 cm

Proudly standing on its paws, this lion was likely intended to adorn a chandelier, as indicated by the hole through which a suspension rod would pass. Our specimen is of large size and particularly well-crafted, with detailed toolwork on the mane, tail, and facial features.
As a noble animal and heraldic motif, the theme of the lion is frequently employed in the decorative arts of the period (see photos of the Louvre ewer and the lion of Cluny).