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LOT 0414
Medieval Bronze Aquamanile of a Male Bust
NORTHERN GERMANY, SAXONY, EARLY 13TH CENTURY A.D.
7 1/8 in. (1.27 kg, 18 cm).
Hollow-formed vessel formed as a male bust; discoid body with chamfered shoulder bearing bands of running zigzag detailing and three splayed feet; the head with low-relief hair and rim of bosses with linear spirals, gracile facial features with lentoid eyes and slender nose, small pouting mouth; short spout to the forehead, filler-hole to top of the head with hinged cover; handle to the rear formed as a reptile with head and forepaws placed on the hair below the hinge and joining the base above one of the feet. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market in 2001.
with Christie's, London, 6 December 2017.
Private collection, Suffolk.
Accompanied by copies of a previous illustrated cataloguing document with references.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12038-212152.
Cf. Falke, O. and Meyer, E., Romanische Leuchter und Gefässe, Giessgefässe der Gotik, Berlin, 1935, reprint, 1983, figs.313 and 314; Barnet, P. and Dandridge, P., Lions, Dragons and other Beasts, Aquamanilia of the Middle Ages, Vessels for Church and Table, New York, 2006, no.7; Brandt, M. ed., Bild & Bestie, Regensburg, 2008, nos.4, 27 and 29.
FootnotesAquamaniles in the form of a bust are a rarity compared to the quantity of zoomorphic forms known from the Middle Ages. The present piece was formed by lost-wax casting method, and is a very early example of such process for a vessel. Metallurgical analysis has shown that the piece is consistent with the suggested date.
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LOT 0414
Medieval Bronze Aquamanile of a Male Bust
Sold for (Inc. bp): £11,050
-
Medieval Gold Signet Ring with 'Indeed' Inscription and Lion
Circa 15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20,800
Comprising a heavy D-section hoop and a thick round bezel, engraved facing lion to the centre with inscription 'yn : dede' above for 'in deed' or indeed'. 23.16 grams, 26.37 mm overall, 20.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W 1/2, USA 11 1/4, Europe 25.66, Japan 24)
Ex D.S. Lavendar, London, UK. Property of a North American gallery, acquired in 2012. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12121-214333.
The inscription, a means of expressing agreement, has not yet been matched to a particular family motto. However, the Anglo-Saxon words and the possible later date of the ring suggests that this is a motto descended from one of the Marcher Lords, or Knights Marchers. The latter occupied the border land between Wales and England, and were granted special privileges and status by William the Conqueror, and were virtually independent rulers. -
Medieval and Other Mixed Artefact Collection
Circa 4th millennium B.C.-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Including a knapped flint spearpoint, matchcase, belt-hook, finger ring and other items. 137 grams total, 12-61 mm
Acquired since the 1970s. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Medieval Lead Weight Collection
Circa 13th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Discoid types with high-relief markings. 218 grams total, 23-52 mm
Ex Simmons gallery, London, UK. Ex North London collection, 1990s.
