German, probably Rhenish, circa 1200

Overall the condition of the situla is good. There is wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age and handling. There are a number of stable fissures and minor lacunae due to casting flaws, particularly around the top edge, some of these have been patched. The top section of one of the heads has been reattached using lead. Several original pins are visible on the surface, including one in the centre on the underside. There are a few minor dents. The patina has a mottled appearance. There is greening to the inside and underside of the vessel.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Situlae served as containers for holy water. During the mass an aspergillum would be dipped into the vessel and the water would be sprinkled on the congregation. Two other octagonal situlae, with similar cross-hatched friezes and masks to disguise the mounts of the handle, are in Cologne and are dated to the second half of the 12th century by Theuerkauff-Liederwald (op.cit. nos. 27 and 28). A conical vessel with cross-hatched bands but very similar masks was exhibited in Bild & Beste (op.cit. no. 17) and there catalogued as coming from Hildesheim and dated to the 1220s.

RELATED LITERATURE
A.-E. Theuerkauff-Liederwald, Mittelalterliche Bronze- und Messinggefäße. Eimer - Kanne - Lavabokessel, Berlin, 1988, pp. 87 and 118, nos. 27-28; M. Brandt (ed.), Bild & Bestie. Hildesheimer Bronzen der Stauferzeit, exhib. cat. Dom-Museums Hildesheim, 2008, pp. 276-277, no. 17