Aquamanile in the Form of a Griffon
ca. 1120/30
Shaped like a fantastic animal, this pitcher held water for the priest to wash his hands when celebrating Mass. Its beak serves as the spout; the fill opening is located on the arched tail that forms the handle. Lavishly embellished with niello and silver damascened and gilt decorations, it is among the earliest and finest extant aquamaniles.
Shaped like a fantastic animal, this pitcher held water for the priest to wash his hands when celebrating Mass. Its beak serves as the spout; the fill opening is located on the arched tail that forms the handle. Lavishly embellished with niello and silver damascened and gilt decorations, it is among the earliest and finest extant aquamaniles.
Time:
ca. 1120/30
Object Name
liturgical utensils; Vessel; aquamanile; watering Vessel
Culture
Helmarshausen
Material/technology:
Gilded bronze, damascened silver, niello, garnet
Dimensions:
H. 17,3 cm, B. 8,5 cm, L. 14,5 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer
Invs.
Kunstkammer, 83