Aquamanile in the Form of a Lion in the Cloisters, October 2010

Aquamanile in the form of a Lion

Date: ca. 1400

Geography: Made in Nuremberg

Culture: German

Medium: Copper alloy

Dimensions: Overall: 13 1/8 x 13 3/8 x 4 3/4 in., 11.764lb. (33.3 x 34 x 12.1 cm, 5336g) Overall PD: 12 9/16 x 4 5/8 x 12 1/2 in. (31.9 x 11.8 x 31.8 cm) Thickness PD: 3/50-7/50 in. (0.16-0.35 cm)

Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy

Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1994

Accession Number: 1994.244

Description: Aquamanilia, from the Latin words meaning "water" and "hands," served to pour water over the hands of priests before celebrating Mass and of diners at meals (see also 64.101.1492). This hollow vessel, cast in the lost-wax process, is rendered in the form of a proud and alert lion. The rear edges of all four legs have been notched and engraved to suggest fur, and the long mane covering the entire chest has been rendered in low relief and incised to achieve surface detail. A dragon forms the vessel's handle, and a dragon-head spout supports the spigot extending from the lion's chest.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/469949