Aquamanile "Caquesseitão"Museu do Oriente
Caquesseitão
An animal of fantastic nature, the Caquesseitão was described by Fernão Mendes Pinto in the book "Peregrinação" [1614]. With characteristics of different species, the mysterious creature entered the exotic imagination of the time.
Fernão Mendes Pinto [1509? – 1583]
A Portuguese traveler and writer, with an adventurous life in Asia, including periods of slavery, shipwrecks and encounters with historical figures. His writing is characterized by a vivid style and often exaggerated tone, according to some experts.
Peregrinação, 1614
A landmark in the literature of the time, the Peregrinação offers a fascinating vision of the world of the 16th century, in the wake of sea voyages.It is in this work that Fernão Mendes Pinto describes strange animals that he had seen on the island of Sumatra and that the locals called Caquesseitão.
Aquamanile "Caquesseitão"Museu do Oriente
A strange animal
“the size of a large paw, very black, with a cupped back, and an array of thorns running down its back, the length of a writing quill, and with wings shaped like those of a bat, a snake's neck and nails on the forehead, like a rooster’s spur.”
Aquamanile "Caquesseitão"Museu do Oriente
Fantastic object
To admire in their Kunstkammern, or Chambers of Wonders, European nobility commissioned objects of state in the shape of mythical animals. The Caquesseitão aquamanil appears in this context, still distinguished by the influence of oriental art.
Aquamanile "Caquesseitão"Museu do Oriente
Aquamanile: refinement and ritual
Container used at the table for the ritual washing of hands during meals, as part of the ceremonial of European courts. It was made with noble materials and refined techniques, such as the worked silver on this example.
Aquamanile "Caquesseitão"Museu do Oriente
Extremely rare
Of big dimensions, this aquamanil is one of only nine to ten known examples worldwide. With small differences between them, they come from old Portuguese aristocratic collections.
Aquamanile "Caquesseitão"Museu do Oriente
Luxurious
Dating back to the 17th century, Caquesseitão aquamanil would have been manufactured in South China or Southeast Asia.
The piece is excellently executed, using repoussé, engraved and chiseled silver working techniques.
Aquamanile "Caquesseitão"Museu do Oriente
West and East
In May 2024, the Caquesseitão aquamanil was acquired by Fundação Oriente, which is dedicated to promoting the cultural heritage resulting from the historical connection of the Portuguese with Asia.
This unique heritage is on display at the Museu do Oriente, in Lisbon.
Aquamanile "Caquesseitão"Museu do Oriente
From Museu do Oriente to the world
The Caquesseitão aquamanil is part of the Portuguese Presence in Asia permanent collection, being the only example on display to the public in Portugal. Product of the dialogue between West and East, material culture, and exotic imagination, fantasy and reality converge.
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