Persia, Ca. 11th century AD A stone relief of Manticore - a legendary, mythical monszter with the body of a lion with a human head, and a porcupine or scorpion tail. Manticore comes from Persia, where its name means "eating people". The Persians invented this creature to scare merchants trying to use their trade routes. This fine example is depicted in a crouching position with its legs hidden under the short body. The head bears skilfully carved face details with deep-set eyes, broad nose, and arching brows, and is framed with an abundant, curly mane. The beast lies on a high, flat-bottomed plinth with both sides decorated with trefoil palmettes, and its backside features pairs of further zoomorphic creatures in low relief.Size: L:180mm / W:240mm ; 8.35KgProvenance: Private London collection of Early Islamic Art - M.A.; formerly acquired on the UK art market since the 1980s.