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This information may change as the result of ongoing research.
* This information may change as the result of ongoing research.
Aquamanile in the Form of a Mounted Knight
ca. 1250
Made in probably Hildesheim, Lower Saxony, Germany
German
Copper alloy
Overall: 14 3/4 x 12 5/8 x 5 9/16 in. (37.5 x 32 x 14.2 cm) Overall PD: 14 11/16 x 5 5/8 x 12 7/8 in. (37.3 x 14.3 x 32.7 cm) Weight PD: 9.156 lb. (4153 g)
Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
64.101.1492
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 table. This aquamanile, in the form of a horse and rider, exemplifies the courtly ideals of knighthood that pervaded Western medieval culture and influenced objects intended for daily use. It depicts a type of armor that disappeared toward the third quarter of the thirteenth century. Unfortunately, the shield—which probably displayed the arms of the owner—and the lance are no longer extant.