English, 15th century. Medieval, hand carved alabaster figural sculpture with traces of polychrome and gilt throughout form depicting a man with cloak resting on the back of a lion with a thick mane, young man's hands resting on top of resting lion's head, the other at side of mouth. Sculpture likely depicting Chrétien de Troyes' well-known story of St. Ywain (Knight of the Lion) which was written in the 12th century in France. Unmarked. Overall approximate height 4.9", width 7", depth 3.1". Provenance: acquired by the Estate of Dr. Woody Cobbs and Mrs. Honor Cobbs, Atlanta, Georgia. Note: Ywain was one of the earliest characters associated with King Arthur, being mentioned in Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae. The young knight rescues a lion from a dragon and in so doing, gains a loyal companion and fighting partner who helps him defeat other adversaries including a giant. Alternate spellings of the knight's name are Yvain, Owain, Ewain and Uwain.

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