Vacheron Constantin - Métiers d'Art Tribute to great civilisations - Lion de Darius

The prominent frieze of lions was a declaration of royal power, embodied by the king of animals. Made of siliceous glazed bricks that are bound with lime mortar, this decoration mingling realism and powerful stylisation is exemplary of masterpieces of Achaemenid Persian art. The frieze surrounding the dial was inspired by the decoration of another well-known work from the Palace of Darius: the Frieze of Archers. This ornamentation, consisting of a juxtaposition of triangles, is made of engraved metal and champlevé enamel with "ageing" inclusions. The writing elements engraved by metallisation on the sapphire crystal are one of the first written texts by Darius upon his arrival in power.