A Superb Elizabethan Carved Oak Lion

Small but perfectly formed, the carved figure has a fantastically detailed face, beneath the most amazingly carved mane, the detail of which I have never seen before – intricate interlacing whorls. The lion’s paws rest on a shield, upon which bears a small stylised flower head at the bottom – probably a merchant’s mark. Behind the shield, the lion’s ribs, knees and rear paws are all carved, again in good detail, and curving round the lion’s body is a tail finishing in a little tassel.

The lion sits on a rectangular base, with cartouche carving to front, back and sides.

I don’t think this little chap would have sat atop of a staircase newel post, but rather have been the decoration for a piece of Elizabethan furniture, such as is pictured in the book press below, which was sold in the Butler Collection, March 2020, at Bearne’s in Exeter.

Superb colour and patina, which can only be achieved by years of handling.

English, probably Norfolk or Suffolk, circa 1580.

Height 7 inches.

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