Assyrian Lion Mugs
Description: The Manticore (Persian for Man eater) is a mythical beast from Persian and Greek mythology. The typical manticore is a vicious predator with the body of a lion, the head of a man, and the tail of a scorpion or dragon. Later modern depictions sometimes now add dragon wings. The myth likely comes from Persian descriptions of Tigers in the Caspian and/or India. In medieval western tradition they came to be associated with the devil, and along with the Greeks they often recorded them as real animals.
Description: The Manticore (Persian for Man eater) is a mythical beast from Persian and Greek mythology. The typical manticore is a vicious predator with the body of a lion, the head of a man, and the tail of a scorpion or dragon. Later modern depictions sometimes now add dragon wings. The myth likely comes from Persian descriptions of Tigers in the Caspian and/or India. In medieval western tradition they came to be associated with the devil, and along with the Greeks they often recorded them as real animals.
Description: This design is based off an ancient piece of artwork from ancient Babylon. The lion is part of the famous Ishtar Gate and a lion is an animal associated with the goddess of love and war, Ishtar. I have based this design on the piece located in The Met's collection. I have recreated this lion in my own unique style making a unique take on this famous piece of artwork!
Description: This winged lion hails from Ashurbanipal II's palace in Nimrud. It was one of the great stone statues depicting winged animals placed on the thresholds of the palace to protect the king from curses and to impress all who entered. These animals wear horned caps typical of ancient Near Eastern deities. This five-legged lion, if seen from the front, appears to be immobile, but if seen from the other side, it advances. Represented in this way, the lion appears complete both seen from the front and in profile, making clear its supernatural and protective powers from both points of view.
