Püsterich (Fire-Blower)
1st half 12th c.
Through a hole in the nape of the female figure’s neck the statuette could be filled with water. Placed in the embers, the figure would blow steam from its mouth and nose. It was probably used as a source of kinetic energy for experiments or for household purposes. Medieval examples of such figures are always nude and either crouching or kneeling. The hole in the figure’s chest is the result of later damage.
Through a hole in the nape of the female figure’s neck the statuette could be filled with water. Placed in the embers, the figure would blow steam from its mouth and nose. It was probably used as a source of kinetic energy for experiments or for household purposes. Medieval examples of such figures are always nude and either crouching or kneeling. The hole in the figure’s chest is the result of later damage.
Time:
1st half 12th c.
Object Name
Statuette; bronze sculpture
Culture
Upper Italian (?)
Material/technology:
Bronze
Dimensions:
23,5 cm × 18,5 cm × 13,3 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer
Invs.
Kunstkammer, 5702
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