Aquamanile in the Form of a Ram

Unknown

ca. 1250–1350 · Earthenware, green glaze · The Cloisters

Scarborough, on England’s northeast coast, is still celebrated in song today for the annual fair it once hosted for merchants. The event was inaugurated by royal charter in 1253, around the time that one of the potteries created this jug in the form of a ram. Water would be added through the spout at the handle and poured out through the animal’s mouth. Like the examples in copper alloy in this gallery, the ram was used for handwashing.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1250–1350

Medium

Earthenware, green glaze

Culture

British

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 2007