Ancient piece of Persian art: Roundel with a Winged Lion

Astrological Illustration Leo by Virgil Finlay

Virgil Finlay made an astrological illustration inspired by an ancient piece of Persian art.

The Roundel with a Winged Lion

Detail of 'Leo' by Virgil Finlay

The ancient roundel is about 11.5 centimeters high. It is made of gold. It is said to have been made during the reign of Artaxerxes II, ca. 404-359 B.C., in the Achaemenid Period, in Persia.

The details are made by the repoussé technique, in which for example gold is hammered from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. The back of the horned feline's body and the twisted cord that surrounds it bear sixteen tiny loops for attachment to a garment or textile.

Reference:
The Persian Art piece on the Oriental Institute Museum and the Highlights of the Collection pages of UChicago Arts.