Aquamanile, late 14th–early 15th century. Unknown maker (German). Brass. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust.
This vessel, an aquamanile, derives its name from the Latin words aqua meaning water, and manile meaning something used on or for the hand. The vessel was used in religious and secular ceremonies to hold water for hand washing. Aquamanili are usually in the form of a human figure, a mythical creature or an animal such as this lion. The lion was known to Europe mainly through classical and Near Eastern examples. Water was poured from the aquamanile through the spout shaped as a small lion's head located on the lion's chest.
