Post Medieval Gilt Silver Dated Decorated Chalice

A copper-alloy roundel displaying Saint George on horseback slaying the dragon, the sun's rays beating down upon them; in relief. 7.42 grams, 34 mm



Acquired circa 2010. From an old Essex, UK, collection.

A matched pair of carved limestone pillar elements, each square in plan with three sides bearing ornamental scrolls and foliate motifs, a wreath of leaves to the base of the neck; pierced for support and one corner hollowed. 15.8 kg total, 18 x 18 cm each

Fine condition.

UK gallery, acquired in the 2000s. Property of an English gentleman.

A bronze aquamanile portraying a mounted rider, both horse and rider modelled in the round with semi-naturalistic anatomical and facial features; the horse standing facing forwards, ears pinned back and with short tail; the male figure positioned with one hand on the reins, the other raised to eye level, wearing period costume and boots; rectangular vessel mouth behind horse's forelock with remains of hinge for a lid (absent), conical pouring spout to its lower chest; some splits; modelled on c.15th century German examples. 5.6 kg, 30.5 cm high



Acquired from St Marys Convent, Peekshill, New York. From Emily Gagnon, Dallas, USA. UK private collection, 2002. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11686-197726

The practical function of the aquamanile was to pour clean water over the hands before dining, and in religious contexts to symbolically purify the body before undertaking communion. The origins of the form are often traced to the area of Iran, and it reached Western Europe through contacts with the Byzantine Empire.