Ca. 3rd-2nd millennium BC. This tubular cup, endowed with a pronounced rim, rests elegantly atop a splayed foot, elevating both form and function to a harmonious zenith. Yet, it is the meticulous adornments that grace the cup's wall that beckon the eye to explore its narrative. In this tableau of stone, a low relief carving comes to life—an exquisite portrayal of a walking lion, poised in a graceful stride and facing the rightward expanse. The long, sinuous tail ascends above its robust body, a symbol of both strength and grace, while the raised left foreleg imbues the scene with a sense of dynamic motion. The muscular hindquarters, masterfully rendered, evoke the latent power contained within this regal creature. A certain robustness characterizes the lion's body, bestowing upon it a sense of earthy vitality. As one's gaze traces the contours of the carving, a dialogue emerges between the tactile presence of the stone and the artistry that has given it life. Light and shadow play upon the relief, delineating every sinew and curve, transforming the cup into an ephemeral gallery of sculpted beauty. Size: L:160mm / W:149mm ; 2050g Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.