22nd Apr, 2026 12:00
Arts of India and the Islamic Lands
31
A PAIR OF LION SHAPED MAMLUK BRONZE FITTINGS
Egypt or Syria, 13th - early 15th century
A PAIR OF LION SHAPED MAMLUK BRONZE FITTINGS
Egypt or Syria, 13th - early 15th century
Cast bronze with a dark patina, openwork and decorated with a walking lion with a swishing tail.
In the Mamluk period, the lion became closely associated with Baybars I (r. 1260–1277 AD) who adopted the lion as his emblem, transforming it into a personal symbol of sovereignty rather than a dynastic device. In Mamluk heraldry the animal is typically shown walking, with one paw raised and the tail curved over its back; on Baybars’ coins the lion’s head often appears in profile. This image was sometimes mistaken for a panther when represented passant guardant. Later sultans, including Barsbay, also used the lion. The reason is uncertain, though it may relate to Baybars’ name, which combines bay ('lord') and bars/pars, interpreted as 'lion.'
One lion's tail is restored.
complete 8.9cm x 14.2cm (2)
Provenance: Georges Antaki Collection.
Estimated at £3,000 - £4,000
A PAIR OF LION SHAPED MAMLUK BRONZE FITTINGS
Egypt or Syria, 13th - early 15th century
Cast bronze with a dark patina, openwork and decorated with a walking lion with a swishing tail.
In the Mamluk period, the lion became closely associated with Baybars I (r. 1260–1277 AD) who adopted the lion as his emblem, transforming it into a personal symbol of sovereignty rather than a dynastic device. In Mamluk heraldry the animal is typically shown walking, with one paw raised and the tail curved over its back; on Baybars’ coins the lion’s head often appears in profile. This image was sometimes mistaken for a panther when represented passant guardant. Later sultans, including Barsbay, also used the lion. The reason is uncertain, though it may relate to Baybars’ name, which combines bay ('lord') and bars/pars, interpreted as 'lion.'
One lion's tail is restored.
complete 8.9cm x 14.2cm (2)
Provenance: Georges Antaki Collection.
Auction: Arts of India and the Islamic Lands, 22nd Apr, 2026
We are excited to present our Islamic and Indian Art Auction.
The sale brings together a remarkable collection of rare textiles, lacquerwear, woodwork, manuscripts and more. Featuring a 13th century bronze Ayyubid candlestick (lot 29), a monumental Indian silver-overlaid wooden footstool (lot 140) and an Ottoman calligraphic silk lampas panel from the inner covering of the Ka’ba (lot 166).
One further unmissable highlight is the beautifully enamelled 18 carat gold pocket watch by Breguet et Fils, produced for the Ottoman market (lot 148). We are delighted also to present further pieces from the collection of Mr Georges Antaki in this auction, which promises something of interest for all collectors interested in Islamic and Indian art.
Sale date(s) & Start time:
22 Apr 2026 12:00 BST
Viewing
Viewing date(s) & Start time(s):
17 Apr 2026 10:00 - 16:00
18 Apr 2026 11:00 - 16:00
20 Apr 2026 10:00 - 16:00
21 Apr 2026 10:00 - 16:00
