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03.11.2021

Cruet (ecclesiastical)

This vessel, created in the Winchester style during the first half of the 10th century, represents a fascinating blend of Late Anglo-Saxon and Ottonian artistic influences. It is made of gilded copper alloy and features a unique design.

The vessel has an inverted rim, a rounded abdomen, and a belted foot, suggesting it may have been used as a mug or similar drinking vessel. Notable decorative elements include incised and relief ornamentation throughout.

One of the striking features is the handle, which is shaped like a snake emerging from the head of an animal positioned at the rim. There are remnants of a hinge for a lid, although the lid itself has been lost over time.

The spout of the vessel takes the form of an animal head with distinctive features such as lenticular eyes, a collar with notched grooves, and spiral-shaped shoulders over a subtriangular fluted breast. Above the spout, there is a depiction of a winged quadruped holding its tail and biting its own front paw, adding to the vessel's ornate appearance.

The body of the vessel is adorned with two groups of five reliefs, symmetrically placed on either side of the spout and separated by small animal masks. Each relief consists of a pair of birds with armored wings, engaged in pecking at central foliage. These reliefs showcase a high level of craftsmanship and detail.

The foot of the vessel is surrounded by a simple molding and features a continuous, formalized palmette ornament set against a background of pointillism, adding an intricate touch to the design. Even the underside of the foot is gilded, highlighting the attention to detail in its creation.

The Winchester style, characterized by its elaborate and often opulent ornamentation, is reflected in this vessel's design. It serves as a testament to the artistic achievements of the Late Anglo-Saxon and Ottonian periods, showcasing the merging of influences from both cultures.

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