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Lion Aquamanile

German (Hildesheim)

ca. 1220–30

Not on view

Aquamanilia, from the Latin aqua (water) and manus (hand), are vessels for washing hands, for both liturgical and secular purposes. They were the first hollow-cast vessels in copper alloy made in medieval Europe. This example in the form of a lion is a carefully observed naturalistic sculpture in the round. It bears comparison with the baptismal font (exhibited in the Medieval Sculpture Hall, Gallery 305), suggesting that they were made at approximately the same date, possibly by the same workshop.

Lion Aquamanile, Copper alloy, German (Hildesheim) — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Lion Aquamanile

Date: ca. 1220–30

Culture: German (Hildesheim)

Medium: Copper alloy

Dimensions: Overall: 10 5/8 x 11 in. (27 x 28 cm)

Classification: Metalwork-Copper alloy

Credit Line: Dom-Museum HIldesheim, join ownership with the Stiftung Niedersachsen and the Ernst von Siemens Kunststiftung (2006–1)

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.