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.'