German or North Netherlandish, 14th century

with Jan Dirven, Eindhoven;
Frits Philips, Eindhoven;
his sale, Sotheby's Eindhoven, The Frits Philips Collection, 4-5 December 2006, lot 286

A. E. Theuerkauff-Liederwald, Mittelalterliche Bronze- und Messinggefäße. Eimer - Kannen - Lavabokessel, Berlin, 1998, pp. 230 and 275, no. 199

Overall the condition is good with wear and some minor to the surface consistent with age, including some nicks around the edges. There is a dent on the body of the vessel by which the surface has been pierced. A casting flaw on the underside hsa lost part of its patch. There are a number of small lacunae due to casting flaws.
"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."

Barnet and Dandridge (op.cit.) group the present type of ewer with aquamanilia as these vessels similarly reference animals in several ways. The spout, for example, is adorned with a stylised animal head and the feet, which are sometimes engraved with the suggestion of fur, resemble paws.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Barnet and P. Dandridge (eds.), Lions, dragons and other beasts. Aquamanilia of the Middle Ages, vessels for church and table, exhib. cat. The Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design and Culture, New York, 2006, p. 189, no. 53