Verdex
Verdex
30 березня 2023, 23:57

Aquarius Knight from the collection of the British Museum

Aquarius Knight from the collection of the British Museum
In medieval Europe, aquarians, or aquamaniles (Latin aquaemanalis), were often used to wash hands. These vessels of various shapes and sizes (most often in the form of animals) were used both for secular and sacred purposes. They came to Western culture thanks to the connections of Byzantium with the East, the earliest European finds date back to the 11th century.
The aquarius shown here was made of copper alloy in 1275–1300. presumably in England. The object, about 330 mm high, is made in the form of a knight riding a horse, dressed in chain mail, over which is put on a surcoat (a long spacious cloak to protect armor) with heraldic lilies and stars. Several details are missing, including the spear, knight's legs, ponytail, part of the helmet and shield. The artifact is stored in the British Museum, where there is also another Aquarius with a knight, but made of clay. Against the background of metallic aquamarine, it looks more rough.
The Aquarius Knight was filled through a hole located in the head, water was poured out from the neck that exited through the forehead of the horse. Very few of these Aquarians with knights on horseback have survived, and they all bear little resemblance to this specimen. The item is of such high quality that it has not been forgotten, and was included in several major exhibitions in England, Germany, Italy and the USA.

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