Balinese Barong Handle

[A. G. Maisey]

Re the lion head, yes, similarities, and I have seen these kastane hilts.

I don't have time at the moment, but I'll see if I can find some Siamese pics that influenced my feelings.

Re the variation of the motifs in execution, what I think I can see is perhaps a photo problem. This thing might look a bit different in the hand.