Patera (shallow bowl) Handle in the Form of a Lion

This handle for a patera, a shallow cup-shaped vessel, is in the form of an outstretched leaping lion. The handle consists of larger palmetted-shaped end which the lion rests its forepaws, and the smaller, heart-shaped end provides a base for the lion's hindlegs. The hindlegs are formed as a single element, probably for stability. The head is carefully modelled, with a rippled snout, lips, eyebrows, ears, and mane.