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Fabulous Pair of Italian Terracotta Garden Lions
Sold by Rams Head Antiques
sold SA1146457
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Rams Head Antiques

Rams Head Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2014
Browse dealers 328 items
Id #SA1146457
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Fabulous Pair of Italian Terracotta Garden Lions

19th century
Sold 4 August 2026 · Rams Head Antiques
This “Fabulous Pair of Italian Terracotta Garden Lions” found a buyer.

It was listed by Rams Head Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

This is a fabulous large pair of 19th century Italian terracotta lions after the originals by Antonio Canova the famous 18th century Italian Architect and Sculptor. These are a fine pair of good scale and detail with great character. The pair are in the famous recumbent pose with head resting on crossed paws both modelled separately, posed towards each other.

The original lions were sculpted by Antonio Canova in solid marble in 1792 for the tomb of Pope Clement XIII in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

This pair are sculpted in red terracotta, faithful to the original design and have aged very nicely with great character and style.

These are in really good condition overall with one or two historic repairs as you might expect with age. The lions measure 119 cms long, 48 cms high and 46 cms wide.

A fine and handsome pair, very rare indeed to find of this age being from the late Victorian era circa 1880.

UK delivery can be arranged with our local courier and costs £120 plus vat to most areas. Some areas and extremities may vary, please email or text your postcode for an accurate quote.

The pair are photographed here on separate stone slabs that are not included in the sale.

Date of Manufacture

Rams Head Antiques has dated these Terracotta Garden Lions to the 1880s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
48cm (18.90")
Width
119cm (46.85")
Depth
46cm (18.11")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1146457
Dealers Notes

Rams Head Antiques is a family business based in Wolsingham in Weardale where we have had shop premises for 28 years. The shop is generally open every Saturday from 11 am till 3 pm.

You are most welcome to visit the shop but please always check to confirm we are open before travelling. We have been in the antiques trade for well over thirty years now and stock a wide and varied range of antiques and decorative items specialising in carpets and Eastern and Oriental items as well as Georgian and Victorian furniture, mirrors, oil paintings, prints, ceramics and clocks.

We can arrange worldwide delivery on all the items we have in stock, please ask for an accurate quote.

Email:

We offer a full money back guarantee if you are not happy for whatever reason within a seven day period as long as the buyer pays for transportation costs.

Description
This is a fabulous large pair of 19th century Italian terracotta lions after the originals by Antonio Canova the famous 18th century Italian Architect and Sculptor. These are a fine pair of good scale and detail with great character.
“
The pair are in the famous recumbent pose with head resting on crossed paws both modelled separately, posed towards each other.
Rams Head Antiques
fig 1. A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors.
fig 1. Fabulous Pair of Italian Terracotta Garden Lions

The original lions were sculpted by Antonio Canova in solid marble in 1792 for the tomb of Pope Clement XIII in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

This pair are sculpted in red terracotta, faithful to the original design and have aged very nicely with great character and style.

fig 2. A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors.
fig 2. Fabulous Pair of Italian Terracotta Garden Lions

These are in really good condition overall with one or two historic repairs as you might expect with age. The lions measure 119 cms long, 48 cms high and 46 cms wide.

A fine and handsome pair, very rare indeed to find of this age being from the late Victorian era circa 1880.

fig 3. A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors.
fig 3. Fabulous Pair of Italian Terracotta Garden Lions

UK delivery can be arranged with our local courier and costs £120 plus vat to most areas. Some areas and extremities may vary, please email or text your postcode for an accurate quote.

The pair are photographed here on separate stone slabs that are not included in the sale.

Date of Manufacture

Rams Head Antiques has dated these Terracotta Garden Lions to the 1880s.

Height
48cm (18.90")
Width
119cm (46.85")
Depth
46cm (18.11")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1146457
Rams Head Antiques
Rams Head Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2014
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Rams Head Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors. SOLD4 AUG 26
1 / 12
Archive I A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors. SOLD4 AUG 26

Fabulous Pair of Italian Terracotta Garden Lions

Archive II A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors. View II
Archive III A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors.
Archive V A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors. View V
Archive VI A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors. View VI
Archive VII A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors. View IX
Archive X A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors. View X
Archive XI A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors. View XI
Archive XII A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07769 255 544
Location
Wolsingham
Weardale
Durham
United Kingdom
Verified Since Sep 2014
Items For Sale 328
Items Sold 4,344
Rams Head Antiques
Rams Head Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2014
View Dealer Info
Location: Wolsingham, Weardale, Durham, United Kingdom
Verified
Sep 2014
For Sale
328
Sold
4,344
A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors.
Fabulous Pair of Italian Terracotta Garden Lions
Ref: SA1146457
A pair of weathered terracotta garden lions resting on stone plinths outdoors.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Scale Reference
Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectGarden Statuary
  • Period19th century
  • StyleClassical Italian
  • MaterialTerracotta
  • ColourTerracotta Brown
  • MotifsCrouching posture, Detailed manes, Naturalistic facial features
  • SizeH 48 cm (19 in) x W 119 cm (47 in) x D 46 cm (18 in)

Terracotta garden ornaments have been crafted in Italy for centuries, particularly in regions like Tuscany, drawing inspiration from classical Roman architecture and sculpture to adorn grand villas and formal gardens.

Traditional pieces are modelled from local clay containing specific mineral contents, then fired in traditional kilns to achieve durability and the characteristic warm earthy tones that weather naturally over time.

Authenticity is typically indicated by natural weathering, organic moss and lichen growth, hand-finished detailing, clay composition, and maker marks or firing imperfections consistent with historical production techniques.

These sculptures are traditionally positioned at entrances, flanking pathways, or anchoring formal lawn borders, adding classical symmetry and sculptural presence to modern or traditional landscapes.

To prevent frost damage during winter months, pieces should be kept elevated off the ground, cleaned gently with low-pressure water, and treated with breathable sealers if necessary to protect against moisture absorption.
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