Details
Modelled as a standing lion, with water spout to the mouth and aperture to the top of the head and elaborate zoomorphic handle to the back; the lid lacking
634 in. (17.1 cm.) high, 9 in. (22.9 cm.) wide
Provenance
With Blumka Gallery, New York, November 1988.
Literature
Comperative Literature:
O. von Falke and E. Meyer, Romanische Leuchter and Gefäße, Gießgefäße der Gotik, Berlin 1935, no. 333, 331 and 368.
Sale Room Notice
Please note the amendment to the date: POSSIBLY 13TH CENTURY
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Lot Essay

In the Middle Ages, bronze and brass were used for both functional and ornamental items, in secular as well as ecclesiastical settings. Being extremely durable, the material was particularly suitable for vessels that would receive much handling. Among the most popular was the aquamanile (aqua - water, manus - hand), used for washing the hands during the Mass or at the table. Large numbers of these were made between the 11th and 16th centuries in a variety of forms, the most popular being lions, knights on horseback, birds, dragons and unicorns.

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