GREEK SILVER-GILT RHYTHON WITH LION PROTOME. Ca. 300 - 100 BC. A silver-gilt rhyton with a flaring mouth encircled by a band of ovolo ornament, narrowing into a curving body that tapers smoothly to a terminal in the form of a lion protome. Modelled in the round, the forepart of the animal shows an upright head with an open mouth and rounded eyes inlaid with stones. Gilding covers the mane, head and limbs, with incised lines along the fur and paws. Forelegs extend forward, and the claws are finely articulated. For similar see: A. C. Gunter and P. Jett, Ancient Iranian metalwork in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art, Colour plate 33. Size: 250mm x 150mm; Weight: 855g Provenance: Private London collection, acquired on the European art market pre 2000.