What kind of animal is sometimes called the king of the jungle? Lions are often described this way because they are thought of as mighty and brave. Does this lion fit that description? He stands on strong legs, has a full mane around his neck, and his long tail is curled. What else do you notice about the lion? There is some kind of creature arched over his back. What kind of creature could it be?

This brass lion was made in Germany around the year 1300. It is actually a special type of pitcher used for washing hands called an aquamanile (a-kwa-ma-NEE-lay ). There is a small opening in the head of the lion where the water can be poured in. The water pours from a spout in the lion's mouth.

The strange creature on the lion's back forms the handle of the pitcher. To wash your hands with this aquamanile, you would pour water from the lion's mouth over your hands. This aquamanile was used at home before meals or in church by the priest before Mass. 

Why do you think the aquamanile is shaped like a lion? People around 1300 admired the lion; they knew that lions were strong courageous animals. What about the creature on the lion's back? Around the time this aquamanile was made, artists in Europe sometimes invented imaginary beasts for their works of art. The beasts were supposed to scare evil away.

You can see this aquamanile when you visit the European art galleries on the third floor of the Ahmanson Building at LACMA.

Search Collections Online for another type of pitcher known as a ewer.

Aquamanile (Ewer)
Northern Germany, Lower Saxony, Hildeshiem (?), circa 1250
Metalwork, Brass (copper alloy), 10 1/2 x 11 7/8 x 3 7/8 in.
Gift of Varya and Hans Cohn, AC1992.152.100
Photo © 2008 Museum Associates/LACMA