Aquamanile in the Form of a Griffon

ca. 1120/30

 

 

Aquamanile in the Form of a Griffon

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.

Location: Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Kunstkammer Wien Raum XXXVII

Object data

Object Name

liturgical utensils; Vessel; aquamanile; watering Vessel

Culture

Helmarshausen

Dated

ca. 1120/30

Material

Gilded bronze, damascened silver, niello, garnet

Dimensions

H. 17,3 cm, B. 8,5 cm, L. 14,5 cm

Image rights

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Kunstkammer

Inv. No.

Kunstkammer, 83

100 Meisterwerke - Aquamanile in Gestalt eines Greifen - Helmarshausen

IGS - Aquamanile in Gestalt eines Greifen

OESG - Aquamanile in Gestalt eines Greifen

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