Iraq / Mesopotamia (Neo-Babylonian Empire)

Proceeding Lion Detail from the Processional Way of Babylon

2247

Neo-Babylonian Period (6th Century BCE), c. 604–562 BCE, reign of Nebuchadnezzar II

A monumental Neo-Babylonian glazed brick relief panel (c. 604–562 BCE, reign of Nebuchadnezzar II) depicting a striding lion sacred to Ishtar from the Processional Way of Babylon — the lion's mane rendered in strict geometric rows of flame-like tufts with contrasting cobalt blue, golden-yellow, and white glazes, the moulded relief projecting sharply from the iconic deep blue background to create crisp, majestic movement.