Ancient Roman Bronze Beautiful Lion Pendant – Leo – Miniature Engraved Composition – ca. 1st–4th Century AD (No reserve price)

A piece of the past, made to be worn

Beautiful Ancient Roman Lion Pendant – Leo – Miniature Engraved Composition – ca. 1st–4th Century AD

Culture: Ancient Roman
Period: Roman Imperial Period
Date: ca. 1st–4th century AD
Material: Metal alloy, Bronze

-Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate: available upon request before shipment (PDF format)
-All shipments are sent fully insured
-During photography, a warm-toned lighting setup reminiscent of museum display illumination was used to emphasize the object's surface details and historic character in a natural manner.
-The suspension cords, connecting rings, and other display accessories shown in the photographs are used solely for presentation purposes and are not part of the object.

Dimensions
Height: 9.91 mm ±
Width: 11.38 mm ±
Depth: 1.52 mm ±
Weight: 0.80 g ±

Description

A stylised lion depicted in profile occupies a thin, approximately square plate. Parallel engraved strokes around the head and neck emphasize the mane, while the elongated body, linear legs and long, upward-curving tail create a lively composition across the small surface. The pale engraved lines contrast distinctly with the dark brown background.

Identified by the Latin term leo — lion — the figure evokes strength and courage. This symbolic framework can be considered alongside virtus, the Roman concept expressing courage and valour.

The opening in the upper section and the connecting ring allow the plate to be worn as a pendant. Despite its miniature dimensions, the discernible mane strokes and curved tail remain distinctive features of the piece.

Information
The offered object was acquired in 2026 through an auction associated with A.N. Auction House in Germany and was transferred to us in 2026 by its previous owner, N.A., based in the Netherlands

The object has been documented using high-resolution equipment; no intervention has been made to its form or structural integrity, and only limited color-balance adjustment has been applied.

Upon request, museum-standard technical photographs may be provided during the auction; if requested prior to shipment, an expert report and a signed ownership document issued in the buyer’s name can be supplied in PDF format within 3–5 business days

Statements regarding dating, function, symbolic interpretation, and material identification represent high-probability academic assessments based on typological comparisons, parallels in museum collections, and expert opinion; definitive conclusions require advanced laboratory analysis and fall outside the scope of the platform’s sales process.

Prospective buyers are advised to evaluate the images in conjunction with the stated measurements, as high-resolution photography may influence perceived scale. Throughout the presentation and sales process, principles of scholarly consistency, transparency, and good faith are observed, and no object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation.