Winged Beast

Parthian

British Museum

1st-2nd Century

This figurine depicts a standing lion with curved horns and wings. The figure has acanthus leaf decoration and one of the wings has been crudely restored. It was found on the banks of the River Helmud in Afghanistan, an area which has been insufficiently subjected to archaeological excavation. As such, the date and function of the figure is unknown. It has been variously identified as Achaemenid, Scythian, Indo-Greek, Parthian, Sasanian or even Early Islamic. However, a Parthian date between the first and third centuries AD seems the most likely.

• Medium: bronze
• Dimensions: 24.9 x 32cm
• Art Fund Grant: £200 ( Total: £200)
• ArtFunded in: 1913
• Vendor: Per BM

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