Antique Architectural ornament - In renaissance style - An ancient lion's head.

A unique and fascinating piece, imbued with family history and authentic Abruzzese tradition. This splendid artifact was rediscovered, mortared as a precious ornamental element on the façade of a centuries-old farmhouse owned by my family, located in the open countryside of Abruzzo. The house has more than a century of history and was finely renovated 30 years ago, preserving its ancient soul intact. The sculpture was entirely hand-carved by local master stonemasons in the famous and eternal Maiella Stone. The lion features a sturdy handmade iron axle that runs right through the block of stone, supporting a heavy ring at the front. The rear block is deliberately rough and bulky, a native-conceived form designed to be embedded firmly into the masonry. This artifact served as a proud symbolic “guardian” of the dwelling, placed outside to protect the house and as a testament to the family’s prestige. Condition: The object presents itself in original condition as an exceptional find. It shows a magnificent and genuine patina of time with partial erosion on the left side of the face, due to decades of exposure to the mountain weather of Abruzzo. A detail that certifies its absolute historical authenticity. Dimensions: 26 x 22 x 20 cm Weight: 13.5 kg An unmissable opportunity to take home an authentic fragment of stone art and Italian rural history.