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Assyrian Palace Guard Bookends
80019890New
Item #80019890
Assyrian Palace Guard Bookends43551
Price: 138$138.00
Member Price: 117.3$117.30
Out of Stock
Unique Stone Look-Alike BookendsImposing sculptures of divine guardians (lamassu) protected and supported the important palace doorways at Nimrud, including a ... View Full Product Details
Imposing sculptures of divine guardians (lamassu) protected and supported the important palace doorways at Nimrud, including a human-headed winged bull and a human-headed winged lion in the Museum's collection. The horned caps the figures wear attest to their divinity, while their belts signify power. The sculptor gave these figures five legs so they appear to be standing firmly when viewed from the front but striding forward when seen from the side. Our striking bookends are based on these resplendent Assyrian guardian sculptures.
Unique Stone Look-Alike Bookends
Imposing sculptures of divine guardians (lamassu) protected and supported the important palace doorways at Nimrud, including a human-headed winged bull and a human-headed winged lion in the Museum's collection. The horned caps the figures wear attest to their divinity, while their belts signify power. The sculptor gave these figures five legs so they appear to be standing firmly when viewed from the front but striding forward when seen from the side. Our striking bookends are based on these resplendent Assyrian guardian sculptures.
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Regal and quite weighty. Purchased as a Christmas gift for my brother, who had just seen similar sculptures in the British Museum. He loved them - placed them on top of a Stickley bookcase, holding some enormous books with no problem.
I bought several sets to give away as gifts. They are even more beautiful and well-made than the pictures indicate. Every detail is perfect. Even the shipping materials are impressive. EVERYONE loved their gifts. Quantities appear to be limited (i.e. notations on the box indicate their inventory is only 200 sets), so if you are thinking about placing an order, don't wait.
These are great. They are sturdy and easily support heavy books. They are also full of details, starting with the fact that each side is different (i.e. one has a lion body, the other is a bull). They were also very well protected inside the package, with shaped polystyrene all around. While the price is a bit high, the quality is there, and you can always get them during promos and seasonal discounts -but beware, they also go out of stock often.
I've eyed these for several years, but felt I couldn't afford them until recently, with a discount. On opening, I was amazed at how much I love them -- that does not always happen! They are beautiful. I love that although both are human heads & faces, one has a bull's body, and the other is a lion's.body, as well as having "the fifth leg" in front. Then the definition and detail of the wings, make them magical.
My niece loves the majestic Assyrian guard bookend
5
Dec 6, 2019
Love the details, they are beautiful and look so authentic. I enjoy looking at this little bit of Assyria in my living room - enriches my day, they stand out and are majestic. My 11 year old niece is so intrigued by them, that she has been reading and learning all about Assyrian civilization and has even incorporated the stories into her games with her dolls.
Everything I've bought from the Met Store has been of the highest quality and beauty, but these bookends are also perfect for the job of keeping my books together especially when I've removed one from the shelf!
My husband has them in his office, and they look beautiful. We saw the original sculptures in the British Museum recently, and these bookends make a wonderful reminder.