Card/Transcription No.: 579-1

579. LION-SHAPED VESSEL (CALCITE) 1.

POSITION:    
Standing on floor, S.W. corner, under a lot of objects, the neck-piece lying on floor near by. (See PHOTOS 1149, 1150.)

DIMENSIONS:  
Max. H. 60.0 cents.
Max. base measurement, 16.5 x 12.0 cents.

DESCRIPTION: 
This vessel takes the form of a mythical lion standing upright on
its hind limbs in an aggressive attitude which although both hind
feet touch the ground, recalls the "lion guardant" of heraldry.
One paw (right) is clawing at the air in noble rage, while the
other (left) rests upon the symbol <> meaning 'protection'. 
It has a long tail annulated at its bulbous end coloured dark
blue. The mouth of this monster is wide open, has long downward
protruding tongue of stained (red) ivory, with back and front
teeth also of ivory.