Greek Zoomorphic Bronze Hydria Handle Attachment
Circa 5th-4th century B.C. Modelled as a skinned lion's head with fierce facial detailing; made for soldering to an articulated round handle. Cf. Furtwängler, A., Olympia. Die Ergebnisse der von dem Deutschen Reich veranstalteten Ausgrabung Band 4. 2 Bände (Textband, Tafelband), Asher, Berlin, 1890, pl.TL, no.839. 98 grams, 51 mm high (2 in.).

Private collection, Germany, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market 2010.

The handles were usually shaped as divinities or animals linked with gods (ie. lions for Herakles). A similar specimen can be seen in the Berlin Museum (inv.7491), from Athens.