Medieval Flemish Bronze Lavabo c.1450-1500

A captivating bronze Lavabo, Flemish, second half of the 15th Century c.1450-1500

Composed of the following parts: the kettle, the handle, the hook and the ring. The kettle consists of a flaring rim above a plain circular wonderfully patinated body cast with two inserts in the form of female heads with bonnets to each side supporting the a handle. Two spouts protrude from the sides terminating in zoomorphic shaped animal heads.

The Lavabo was used as a domestic utensil during the 13th-16th Centuries for washing hands, often suspended above a basin in the Medieval home in the living quarters. Such pieces were also used in monasteries where washing hands was customary before entering the Church for worship.

A rare and beautiful object.

Height to top ring 34 cm, height to female head 15.5cm. Note: historical small repair to handle insert where bar attaches to a head, turned thread can be seen.