Enrica Medugno
Sale Coordinator
Lot 15
A carved marble waterspout in the form of a lion Probably Sicily, 12th Century
14 November 2023, 11:00 GMT
London, New Bond Street£20,000 - £30,000
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Matthew Thomas
Senior Specialist
A carved marble waterspout in the form of a lion
Probably Sicily, 12th Century
Probably Sicily, 12th Century
the rectangular channel terminating in a lion's head with gaping jaws and exposed fangs, erect ears, carved whiskers, the forehead with palmette motif, beaded band running around neck, in crouching posture with paws tucked under chin
61.5 cm. long
61.5 cm. long
Footnotes
Provenance
Formerly in a private UK collection, London, since the late 1970s.
This rare fountainhead exemplifies a significant category of sculptural art found in the Kingdom of Sicily. It bears resemblance to the lion-themed fountainheads that have their roots in the Roman artistic tradition, which left a notable imprint on early Islamic art, especially in regions that were once part of the Roman Empire, like Sicily and Egypt. The palaces of the Norman rulers, primarily concentrated in Palermo, distinctly showcased Islamic design elements, particularly through the incorporation of fountains and intricate water channels. One prominent example of such a palace is the Ziza, which was completed in AD 1180. A similar marble waterspout was sold at Sotheby's, Arts of the Islamic World, 13 October 2004, lot 36. In the catalogue for the sale is published an image of the painted ceiling of the Capella Palatina in Palermo (circa 1143) which depicts a closely related lion head fountain. Another comparable waterspout, attributed to Fatimid Egypt, was sold at Christie's, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 4 April 2006, lot 78.