Double Side Loose Antique Etui Tile (Lion/Mouse)

This is a double sided metal etui seal tile would have been one of many tiles that were part of a larger interchangeable antique set. In great antique condition with lovely patina.  Side 1: A highly detailed design of story of The Lion and the Mouse from Aesop’s Fables. The seal depicts a lion tangled under a net as a mouse stands nearby to try and free him. Above the image is the caption "patience". The symbolism reminds us about the importance of kinship and how small acts of kindness are never wasted.  Side 2: An Italian inscription "Dopo, come avanti"  means "later, as before" or "afterward, as before." This phrase suggests that something will continue or resume in the same way it did previously, even after a certain amount of time has passed or after some other event occurs. It implies continuity or a return to a prior state or action.