6th-4th century BC. A hollow sheet-gold figure of a lion resting with forepaws extended on a rectangular plaque base; the mane and sides of the body with punched triangular texturing. 12.40 grams, 45mm (1 3/4"). Property of a London businessman; previously with Christie's, South Kensington, 25 April 2001, lot 316; formerly in an important North London collection formed before 1980; accompanied by a copy of an expertise from Striptwist Ltd, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 151102; and copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no. 10347-168730. Dr. Ogden writes: 'The style of the lion and its rather formal, frontal posture is reminiscent of Assyrian art and it lacks any of the Hellenised influence of the later centuries BC.' Fine condition.