Since ancient times, the lion was considered a symbol of courage among various peoples. For example, in ancient India and China, figures of these animals decorated the entrances to temples, and in Egypt, keys to shrines were made in the shape of a lion. What else can be added if the throne of King Solomon, who, according to modern estimates, is considered the richest man in the history of mankind, was decorated with figures of the king of beasts.
Kyiv has its own lion. This is not just a sculpture, but the Bronze Aquarius fountain. This fountain is located in the square next to Mykhailivska Square. It was opened in 1974. The lion is an enlarged copy of an Aquarius vessel from the Archaeological Museum of Pereyaslav. In the Middle Ages, such objects were used to wash hands in temples during ritual ceremonies, or in rich houses.
The Kyiv bronze lion has not functioned as a fountain for decades, and instead of a pool, a flower bed has been broken near the sculpture. In 2023, the fountain was repaired. Today, Bronze Aquarius is no less popular than before, and for many it is not just a symbol of a bygone era, but also a memory of a happy childhood.
Author: sculptor Yu. Ruban.
Address: Volodymyrsky Proyizd.
2023
2016
