Ornament

Bronze. Two rampant stylized dragons are mastered by a mythological hero who presses their neck with both hands. The dragons have a triple crest. Their joined bodies are girded by three belts. Hind quarters are separated from, and tied to, hind legs. Tail curled. Small crested dragon's heads are added on the main dragon's necks, two small animals on their hind quarters. The hero has long (bull's?) ears and a beard. Same relief on both faces. (For use, see 30-38-1).

Legrain Publication: "Bronze mascot with the same relief on both faces. A mythological hero stands between dragons rampant, and grips them by the neck. There is a triple crest on the dragons' heads, and a triple belt around their joint bodies. Their hindquarters are disconnected from the legs. The tails curl into small rings above the claws. Small dragon's heads protrude from the necks of the larger dragons, and two small weasel-like animals climb along their hind quarters. The style of the dragon's heads is particular to the Lustrian art and found in many examples. The gaping jaws, threatening fangs, round eyes and ears, open nostrils and hanging tongue are stereotyped and borrowed from the lion, the panther and the snake. This is a legendary animal. The hero has dropping bull's ears, a short beard (?), a double necklace and a belt. His body is a shapeless trunk. His arms while expressing the traditional gesture, are too slender and out of proportion. The decorative and symbolic figure is the product of an art to refined, subtle and conventional. An inner tube connected the hollow shaft with the bottle-shaped base. (30-38-53.) 173 x67 mm."

Ackerman: Gallery V, Panel 3, Object P - Talisman

Man with birds’ heads projecting from cap, throttling confronted “dragons” with cocks’ heads projecting from necks; man’s legs composed of lion’s hindquarters with horse (?) on each hip. H. 6 ¾ in