Aquamanile in the Form of a Griffin

Unknown

ca. 1425–50 · Bronze; Ternary copper alloy with a very high content of zinc (approx. 74% copper, approx. 22% zinc, approx. 2% lead) with natural patina, hollow cast. · Robert Lehman Collection

This magnificent aquamanile in the form of a griffin with (separately cast) outstretched wings can be grouped stylistically with the unicorn (64.101.1493) and a few other examples that were probably produced by the same Nuremberg workshop in the second quarter of the fifteenth century. The aquamanile was filled through a hole between the ears, and water was poured from the spigot in the chest, likely a rare surviving original element.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1425–50

Medium

Bronze; Ternary copper alloy with a very high content of zinc (approx. 74% copper, approx. 22% zinc, approx. 2% lead) with natural patina, hollow cast.

Culture

German, Nuremberg

Department

Robert Lehman Collection

Credit line

Robert Lehman Collection, 1975