Lions, Dragons, and Other Beasts

Aquamanilia of the Middle Ages - Vessels for Church and Table

Barnet Peter, Dandridge Pete

This fascinating book explores the history, techniques and cultural significance of medieval aquamanilia, cast metal objects used to pour water for hand washing in religious and secular contexts. Usually created in appealing animal or human forms, aquamanilia feature two openings, one for filling and the other for pouring. They represent the first emergence of hollow-cast vessels in Western Europe and a significant development in the history of technology. The book presents and catalogues the entire aquamanilia collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the first time, as well as selected examples from other collections and other related medieval objects.

About the Author

Peter Barnet is Michel David-Weill curator in charge, Department of Medieval Art and The Cloisters, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Pete Dandridge is a conservator in the Sherman Fairchild Center for Objects Conservation at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Reviews

"Nothing is not thought-provoking in the way that scholarship should be... 'Lions, Dragons and Other Beasts' is an exceptionally well researched publication, which will be an invaluable reference to conservators, curators, and art historians studying medieval aquamanilia, metalworking, or bronze production" – Stephanie Seavers, Speculum – A Journal of Medieval Studies

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