Horse Aquamanile

The Latin term aquamanile is conventionally applied to vessels from which water was poured for hand-washing in both domestic and liturgical contexts; it referred originally to the basin into which water was poured. This horse aquamanile is relatively naturalistic, although a small dragon forms the handle and holds the reins. Water was poured in through a lidded opening in the head; it was tapped at the breast through a beast-head spout that could be closed by a quarter turn. The handle and reins were made separately and attached by soldering, likewise the spigot that holds the spout. Aquamaniles of this type and quality were produced for wealthy patrons in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg.