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Aquamanile in the Form of a Griffin

ca. 1425–50
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 953
This magnificent aquamanile in the form of a griffin with (separately cast) outstretched wings can be grouped stylistically with the unicorn (64.101.1493) and a few other examples that were probably produced by the same Nuremberg workshop in the second quarter of the fifteenth century. The aquamanile was filled through a hole between the ears, and water was poured from the spigot in the chest, likely a rare surviving original element.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Aquamanile in the Form of a Griffin
  • Date: ca. 1425–50
  • Culture: German, Nuremberg
  • Medium: Bronze; Ternary copper alloy with a very high content of zinc (approx. 74%
    copper, approx. 22% zinc, approx. 2% lead) with natural patina, hollow cast.
  • Dimensions: H. 31.9 cm, w. 12 cm (chest without wings), l. 32.3 cm
    (including spout), wt. 3588 g and 488 g (wings).
  • Classification: Metalwork-Bronze
  • Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.1.1413
  • Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection

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