Italian 18/19C Sand Cast Bronze Lion Sculpture. The early and quite heavy bronze sculpture is from the estate of Cesare Barbieri. The rare bronze Italian sculpture may possibly be earlier than 18th century, we are not able to determine an exact age. The bronze was the prized possession of the late Dixie Cup inventor Cesare Barbieri who said it was from Venice, Italy. The lion is in as-found condition. One leg is fractured but is firmly attached to the figure. Unsigned. Although we do not know the date of creation, we guarantee it dates at least from the 18th or 19th century. Measures 5 inches high and 6 inches long.

Barbieri, Cesare (1878 - 1956) born in Bologna Italy-emigrated to U.S. (1905) Inventor, mechanical engineer, and philanthropist; Worked as an early advisor, beginning in 1914, to the Vortex Co. in Chicago; continued as a consulting engineer to the Dixie-Vortex company after merger; designed first cone-shaped cup machinery and 1st double-wrapped, heavy-duty hot-drink and container cup machinery; Founder of Cesare Barbieri Endowment to promote American culture abroad, and to restore the University of Bologna. Willed his considerable estate in trust for needy Dixie employees. He died on May 26, 1956 at age 78.