This wolf is based on a scythian bone trial piece from the 2nd century and has the typical backward turning joints of the early Scythian artist, which was what attracted me to it. In Scythian culture (as in viking and Roman) the wolf symbolized the powers of the earth, and was often associated with the thunder god.

The wolf symbolizes honour and is also considered the father of most Turkic peoples. Asena (Ashina Tuwu) is the wolf mother of Bumen, the first Khan of the Göktürks

This piece is done in a technique called champleve, which involves etching the metal and inlaying the enamel. It takes 5 days to go through the process. It is counter-enamelled (enamelled on the back) and fired around 7 times.

The piece is approximately 3" x 3" and the frame is 6" x 6"