Terracotta-Style Recumbent Lion Sculpture

This item is a decorative sculpture depicting a recumbent lion, resting on an integral rectangular plinth. The piece appears to be made from a heavy composite material or fired clay, specifically designed with a reddish-brown terracotta-colored finish that features a dark, oil-based or antiqued wash applied to the recesses. This technique highlights the detailed, swirling mane and the muscular physiology of the animal. The lion is portrayed in a relaxed, prone position with its head slightly lowered, reminiscent of the 19th-century 'Lion of Lucerne' or similar Neoclassical funeral monuments. The texture of the mane is particularly stylized with deep, fluid carvings and high-relief curls that suggest a Romantic or late Victorian influence. In terms of condition, there is visible surface wear along the sharp edges of the base and on some of the higher points of the mane, where the original finish has paled slightly, possibly from handling or atmospheric exposure. There are no immediate signs of significant structural cracks or repairs, though some minor pitting and a light dusty patina are present in the deeper crevices. The underside is not visible, so maker's marks remain unidentified, but the overall craftsmanship suggests a mid-20th-century mass-produced casting or a high-quality historical reproduction. The heavy base provides stability, indicating it was intended as a shelf piece, bookend, or desk ornament.