Medieval Aquamanilia and Metalwork

European sculpture specialist Milo Dickinson talks us through a wonderful array of aquamaniles — bronze water vessels used by noblemen in the Middle Ages, here in the shape of fantastical beasts and men. ‘The term aquamanile comes from two Latin words: aqua, meaning water, and manus, meaning hand,’ explains Milo Dickinson, specialist in early European sculpture at Christie’s in London. From the 12th to the 15th century, before cutlery was widely used, these vessels — shaped like humans or animals — were used for pouring water, specifically for handwashing after meals. Produced in a range of mediums, from more modest pottery to bronze and higher-end silver and gilt copper, their size, design, and the materials with which they were made reflected their owners’ social status. Aquamaniles featured in ecclesiastical life as well: deacons used them to cleanse themselves before performing the Eucharist. In both religious and secular life, then, aquamaniles became integral to medieval etiquette. Find out more: http://ift.tt/2nf6MHb