Not currently on display at the V&A

Ewer

15th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is a rare example of a brass jug or ewer with three supporting feet. It may have been used to serve mulled wine, which was a popular drink at the time. We are reasonably certain that it was not used to heat or serve water because other vessels served this function.

The design you see here was relatively short-lived. All surviving examples date from about 1300-1500 and were made in Flanders.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Brass, cast
Brief description
Brass ewer with a dragon-head spout and bow handle, Flemish, 15th century
Physical description
With rounded body on three legs; dragon-head spout and plain bow handle.
Dimensions
  • Height: 8.75in
  • Diameter: 5.5in
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
Production
Acquired in Brussels
Summary
This is a rare example of a brass jug or ewer with three supporting feet. It may have been used to serve mulled wine, which was a popular drink at the time. We are reasonably certain that it was not used to heat or serve water because other vessels served this function.

The design you see here was relatively short-lived. All surviving examples date from about 1300-1500 and were made in Flanders.
Bibliographic reference
Lewis, J.M., R. Brownsword and E. E. H. Pitt, 'Medieval 'Bronze' Tripod Ewers from Wales'. In: Medieval Archaeology, vol. 31, issue 1 (1987), pp. 80-93.
Collection
Accession number
M.202-1926

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Record createdJanuary 29, 2004
Record URL
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