Collecting: Lions

Beautiful lion made of one piece of wood. His blue and yellow marble eyes are intimidating.
A beautiful lion carved from a solid piece of wood. His blue and yellow marble eyes are intimidating.

I love lions. Maybe it is because I am a Leo or maybe just because they are so beautiful, powerful and, of course, king of the forest. Through the years I have collected several lions including a life-size lion made from a solid piece of wood that I purchased from Fran Yates Antiques in Mt. Vernon, Texas. This lion keeps a watchful eye over my dining room. Speaking of eyes, his are blue and yellow marbles.

When I was alumni director at a university which had lions as the mascot, I took the life-size lion to my office. It scared many people who walked by, because it looks so real.

Lion bottle stopper creates a lion accent at the base of a lamp.
A lion bottle stopper creates an accent at the base of a lamp.

My collection includes figurines, jewelry, a wooden purse, paintings, statues, a step stool, desk accessories, socks, wine cork, boxes, and stuffed animals. My figures and statues are wooden, cement, pottery, silver, bronze, metal, and crystal. It started many years ago when I was a little girl. I think my first lion was given to me by my uncle Pizzini and his wife Carol. I have it in my office. It is a small green lion stepstool with a black rope tail. Pull the tail and a drawer comes out (I used to hide all my treasures there). It is just about the right height for a small child to sit on. Now it makes a perfect decoration or a place for a customer to set their cold drink.

A wooden Timothy Woods lion purse that I love!
A wooden Timmy Woods lion purse that I love!

My lion jewelry includes pewter as well as sterling silver necklaces, silver bracelets, and a gold and sapphire lapel pin. They are fun reminders of what makes me happy…looking at lions.

A lion necklace adds a fun touch to an outfit.
A lion necklace adds a whimsical touch to an outfit.

My preferred lions are useful, such as the lion purse or letter opener that have practical uses. I enjoy everyday items that express my love of lions.

I was so excited to find this lion lamp. He is adds a dramatic look to the light fixture.
I was so excited to find this lion lamp. He is adds a dramatic look to the light fixture.

Someday I would love to have a set of silverware by Wallace in the Lion pattern, but until then, I just daydream.  All of the lions I have collected are small in value, but big in appeal, at least to me.

Another lion hanging out in my bookcase.
Another lion hanging out in my bookcase.

I enjoyed sharing my collection with you, and I hope you enjoyed the tour. What do you enjoy collecting?  My sister loves elephants.  Whatever it is, I hope it brings you joy.  I am not lion when I say I love collecting!

A lion planter sits atop my fridge. He looks great even without a plant!
A lion planter sits atop my fridge. He looks great even without a plant!
A gift from a friend stands watch in a room.
A gift from a friend stands watch in a room.
Asian lion keeping things under control on the fireplace.
An Asian lion keeping things under control on the fireplace.
A brass rubbing I created at St. Martin-in-the-Fields while in London with my nephew several years ago.
A brass rubbing I created at St. Martin-in-the-Fields while in London with my nephew several years ago.
Lions, an old etiquette book, and a souvenir from a trip to Canada mingle together.
Lions, an old etiquette book, and a souvenir from a trip to Canada mingle together.
My love of all things British share space with a lion given to me when I graduated with my doctorate.
My love of all things British share space with a lion given to me when I graduated with my doctorate.