A lion in a crown, sitting square at the top of the steps, and the garden suddenly has a doorman.
King Balthazar is a seated lion cast in solid iron and finished in a natural rust patina, wearing a tall fleur-de-lis crown over a double beaded band. He weighs 4.3 kg, which is the difference between cast iron and the resin lions that copy this pose. The casting carries every strand of the mane worked separately, the fold of the muzzle, the tail curled around one haunch and the toes spread on the front paws.
At 31cm he is the size of a table lamp, big enough to hold a doorstep or a gate pier and small enough to lift with one hand. He is built for outdoor life: the iron is heavy enough to stay put in wind, and the rust patina is a finish rather than a fault, so weather deepens him instead of wearing him out.
Why we love it
◆The crown, a proper fleur-de-lis crown over two rows of beading, cast as one piece with the head rather than added on
◆The weight, 4.3 kg of cast iron, so he sits where you put him through wind and weather
◆The rust patina, deep amber where light catches the mane, russet down in the recesses, and it only improves outdoors
◆The mane, every strand worked rather than smoothed away, which is what separates a casting from a moulding
Dimensions & Details
Size
19 x 12.5 x 31 cm
Weight
4.3 kg net
Materials
Solid cast iron
Finish
Natural rust patina, hand-finished
Style
French Provincial · heraldic · classical
Suitable for
Indoor, covered outdoor, or open garden. Built to weather.
How to style it
A lion reads as a guard, so give him a threshold to guard rather than a shelf to sit on.
Stand him at one side of a doorway or the top of a flight of steps
Put him on a gate pier or a wall cap where he looks down at you
Give him a hall console indoors with nothing else on it
Buy the pair and set them facing each other across an entrance
Stylist's TipSet him a little above eye level if you can. A lion at knee height reads as an ornament, and the same lion on a pier or a step reads as a guard. It is the same casting, the height does all the work.
Care & Keeping
Wipe with a soft dry cloth to lift dust out of the mane and the crown. The rust patina is a finished surface and needs no sealing. Place a felt pad or a saucer underneath on pale stone or painted timber, and keep harsh chemical cleaners and abrasive pads away from him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can he live outside all year?
Yes. Iron with a natural rust patina is made for open weather, and rain deepens the colour rather than harming it. On pale stone or decking, set a pad underneath so run off does not mark the surface.
What is he made of?
Solid cast iron throughout, crown included, finished by hand in a natural rust patina. At 4.3 kg he is considerably heavier than the resin and magnesia lions on the market.
How big is he?
19cm wide, 12.5cm deep and 31cm tall to the tips of the crown, at 4.3 kg net. The second photo shows him beside a 30cm wine bottle to scale.
Can I buy two?
Yes, and a facing pair either side of a door or a gate is how a lion like this is meant to be used. Stock is limited on this one, so order both together if you want a matched pair.
Does he need fixing down?
No. He sits on his own haunches with a broad flat base. On an exposed pier a rubber mat underneath will keep him in place and protect the stone.
Will mine look exactly like the photos?
Close. The patina is applied by hand, so the depth and spread of the rust varies from piece to piece, and no two come out quite the same.
Because King Balthazar is hand-finished, slight variations in patina, texture, and grain are natural and add to the unique character of each piece. Colour may also vary slightly between screens, all photography is taken in natural light.
SHIPPING & RETURNS
AUSTRALIA & NZ Australia Post Standard (2-8 business days) free if order is $100 or above (selected metro areas). Check your postcode.
Please refer to our shipping page for more information WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Express Shipping (8-15 business days).
RETURNS We expect you’ll love your purchases. On the off chance you don’t, we’re pleased to offer a refund or exchange.
We offer Returns on full-priced undamaged items within 100 days of purchase.
For more details visit our Returns page
PAYMENT METHODS
afterpay
Pairs Beautifully With
King Balthazar French Provincial Crowned Lion Statue, Natural Rust Cast Iron 31cmSale price$239.00
100-Day Money Back Guarantee◆Free Replacement If It Arrives Damaged◆Shipped From Sydney◆Delivery Insured Free◆Rated 4.98 by 4,566 Customers◆
100-Day Money Back Guarantee◆Free Replacement If It Arrives Damaged◆Shipped From Sydney◆Delivery Insured Free◆Rated 4.98 by 4,566 Customers◆
100-Day Money Back Guarantee◆Free Replacement If It Arrives Damaged◆Shipped From Sydney◆Delivery Insured Free◆Rated 4.98 by 4,566 Customers◆
100-Day Money Back Guarantee◆Free Replacement If It Arrives Damaged◆Shipped From Sydney◆Delivery Insured Free◆Rated 4.98 by 4,566 Customers◆
Got Questions?
We've got answers
What happens if my piece arrives damaged?
Every order is packed with care and insurance cover, but if anything arrives damaged, send us a photo as soon as possible and we'll arrange a replacement. No need to return the damaged piece.
Will my piece look exactly like the photos?
Very close, but expect small variations. Patina depth, paint distress and metal ageing will differ slightly from unit to unit.
Where do you ship from and how long does delivery take?
All Château Living orders ship from our Bribie Island warehouse in Queensland. Standard delivery is 3-7 business days, with tracking sent to your inbox the moment your order leaves us.
What if it doesn't suit my space when it arrives?
You're covered by our 100-Day Money Back Guarantee. If a piece doesn't suit your space, return it within 100 days of delivery for a full refund. We want every Château piece to feel like it was made for your home.
I have never been a clock-watcher, but all that changed with Maude. I can't stop looking at her. Out of the box, slip in an AA battery and on to the wall, just like that! She is simply gorgeous.
This is a present for my horse loving daughter in law. I'm sure it will take pride of place on her mantle piece. Again I love this Web site which I will be visiting often.
Found this beautiful elegant Swan for my garden online via a search at Chateau Living. A great price, quality and excellent ordering and delivery. Would definitely purchase from this business again. They have such a beautiful variety of products.
It was my testing the waters first purchase to check out this new store & what’s on offer. I loved the idea of supplying cast iron cute animal figurines as they’re practical, good looking, solid durable material, great rust finish (no need to buy expensive rust effect paint). Just ready to weather and brings a smile on your dial. I placed my frog with his hands up as if in religious praying gesture next to the concrete funny sign scored at Vinnies reading: grant me patience Lord but hurry - I believe the praying frog and the sign go comically together. I’m thinking of getting the other frog too in its hilarious pose possibly in green patina for contrast. I can confirm it’s heavy cast iron with attractive rust patina. These casts fill the gap in the market dominated by laser cut cortina steel offerings. Just something old school different and complimentary to your garden /house decor. Pleased it’s introduced to Australian market and once for change not made in China… but in France known for its cast iron tradition. We own 18th century French anvil won at an antique auction which is our proud possession so happy to score more in heavy casts.
This may not show on the store website that well but they’re actually old gold colour. It’s lightweight thin metal so perhaps inside or sheltered outdoor space would suit them the best as it may rust out & some fragile parts of the tail break exposed to the weather. They’re as large as described, cleverly designed for packaging - legs are separate with tightening screw. They make an impact due to their size & fit almost any decor with the colour & style.
I was so happy with Chateau Living. Brilliant customer service & speedy delivery. How lucky we are to have an Australian option giving us all these beautiful items for our homes. Highly recommend
I bought this piece as I could see it in my mind's eye having an suspended impact with my high end Brazilian quartz crystal display. Such a well made piece, sturdy and if I didn't know better, from another time. I am planning a candle holder from Chateau Living to complete this display, just having trouble deciding from the elegant range they have available. Very pleased :) Who would have thought you could combine Brazil with French Provincial so perfectly.