Object Description
Greek Corinthian Lion Vessel
Greek Corinthian vase in the form of a lion, dated at 600-550 B.C.
Identification Date
Between 2018 and 2021
Identification Location
Michael Steinhardt Private Collection
Artefact History
Before 1996
One regular-print image from the archive confiscated from the convicted antiquities dealer Giacomo Medici. The lion vessel appears resting on a linen fabric.
12 Jun 1996
Robin Symes and Christos Michaelides sold the lion vessel to the Beierwaltes collection in Colorado, US, for $25,000.
2006
The Beierwaltes consigned their entire antiquities collection, to include the lion vessel, to ‘Phoenix Ancient Art’ gallery, belonging to the Aboutaam brothers.
2011
Steinhardt purchased the lion vessel from ‘Phoenix Ancient Art’ for $25,000.
2018-2021
On the request of the Manhattan DA’s Office, the lion vessel have been identified probably by the Italian authorities, in the Steinhardt collection.
Artefact Status
February 2022
In December 2021, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced that the lion vessel will be repatriated to Italy. Its repatriation took place on February 2022.