Scythian Bronze Statuette of a Wolf

Culture: Scythian

Period: 5th-4th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 12.8 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 5247

Provenance: Brussel art market in 1968. Thence Rassla Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland, Dr. Giancarlo Ligabue (1931-2015).

Condition: Intact

Description: Impressively worked out bronze statuette of a wolf which originates from the culture of the Scythian peoples of the steppe. The animal is hollow and stands on two splints, which were mounted on an object, possibly on a kettle, and served as a handle. The wolf stands straight and has the body muscles tense. His head is raised, the mouth threatening and the teeth snarly open. The large ears are vigilantly protruding. The back is slightly lowered, the tail protrudes down, its tip is raised. The statuette with its martial appearance is an impressive example for the famous animal depiction of the early peoples of the steppe. Published in: G. Ligabue, G. Rossi Osmida “Animali e Mito”, Trebaseleghe 2008, page 194, figure 1. As well as in: CentroStudi Ricerche Ligabue “Mongolia – Nelle steppe di Cinghis Khaan”, Venice 1992, page 182, figure 6. Inside of one splint the incorrect inscription “Han China” in white. On a custom-made base.