Two Ornaments of a Bird and a Mythical Creature, anonymous, 800 - 1000
bronze (metal), h 11.9cm × w 13cm × d 5cm More details
Many decorative fragments were once the ornamental finials of vessels and lamps. They depict mythical creatures or legends in a variety of forms. The beast combines the bust of a lion and the tail of a bird with exuberant curls. These curlicues also feature in the bird, probably a cockerel, standing on a cage-like base.
