An ornamental water pitcher or ewer, often shaped like an animal or fancy creature, used in medieval times for washing hands at the table or in church services.
From Medieval Latin 'aquamanile,' combining 'aqua' (water) and 'manalis' (relating to hands from Latin 'manus'). These objects became especially popular during the Gothic and Renaissance periods in Europe.
Some of the most incredible medieval aquamaniles were sculpted as intricate animals—lions, dragons, or birds—and served double duty as both functional vessels and status symbols that showed off a household's wealth and artistic taste.
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