Spout Of A Medieval Bronze Water Jug – 15th Century, High Middle Ages, Archaeology, Gothic

Medieval bronze water jug spout, likely of Flemish origin or from the Rhine Valley, dating from the 15th century.

This remarkable component of a water jug is shaped like a mythical creature, characteristic of the medieval bestiary. It features a beautiful, deep, and uniform dark brown patina that particularly highlights the quality of its casting and the details of the design.

Water pots were bronze vessels designed to hold hot water. Usually suspended, they were equipped with one or more spouts: one simply had to tilt them to let the water flow and wash one’s hands. In a sense, they are the distant ancestors of our modern sinks.

The use of this type of object is notably attested in 15th-century Flemish painting. A similar water jug appears in the famous Mérode Triptych, attributed to Robert Campin and painted around 1430, attesting to the presence of these objects in late-Medieval interiors.

A very similar specimen—if not identical in form—is housed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, under inventory number BK-NM-13030, and dated to the second half of the 15th century.

Due to its age, rarity, remarkable patina, and typically medieval animal iconography, this spout is a beautiful collector’s item, of particular interest to enthusiasts of medieval art and antique bronzes.

The object is presented with its custom-made Plexiglas base.

Dimensions: 11 cm tall without the base

Price does not include shipping

Police Registry Ref.: A231

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