Ashurbanipal at the Royal Lion Hunt - Plaque - Ancient Assyria

A handmade resin plaque depicting details from the Assyrian lion hunt reliefs. 

This exquisite resin plaque, crafted in the UK, replicates an original gypsum wall panel that was excavated from the North Palace in Nineveh, Iraq, dating back to 645–635 BCE. The original artifact is now housed in the British Museum, preserving a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Assyria.

The panel depicts scenes from the reign of King Ashurbanipal of Assyria, who ruled from 668 to around 631 BCE. Known for his proclamations as the "king of the world," Ashurbanipal presided over an empire that represented the zenith of Assyrian power, stretching from the eastern Mediterranean shores to the mountains of western Iran. His reign from the city of Nineveh, now in northern Iraq, is remembered as a period of immense cultural and military achievements.

Ashurbanipal's reputation as a formidable warrior is vividly captured in a series of reliefs that illustrate the royal lion hunt, a dramatic public spectacle staged in the hunting grounds of Nineveh. These reliefs not only showcase his martial prowess but also underscore his role as the divinely appointed protector of his realm. In Assyrian belief, the king was responsible for maintaining cosmic order by vanquishing the forces of chaos.

In the context of Assyrian symbolism, the lion epitomized all that was wild and perilous in the world. The gods were believed to have endowed Ashurbanipal with extraordinary strength, enabling him to confront and conquer these majestic beasts. The reliefs depict the king engaging in the hunt with various methods: from his chariot, on horseback, and on foot. Each scene underscores his bravery, skill, and divine favor, reinforcing his legitimacy and the stability he brought to his empire.

This resin plaque, therefore, is not merely a decorative piece but a rich historical artifact that brings to life the epic narratives of Assyria's past, commemorating the legacy of one of its most powerful rulers and the grandeur of his era.

A majestic gift for the home.