Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Aquamanile (Handwasher) in the Form of a Cheetah
(Islamic World )
This fearsome-looking cheetah is an example of Islamic animal bronzes made for use as incense burners, fountain fixtures, or pouring vessels (called aquamanilia). Trained cheetahs were favorite hunting animals in the Islamic world, especially at royal courts. This motif was emulated by the Christian kings of Sicily, who featured felines in the decoration of their palaces. Objects like this aquamanile also inspired artists in Germany and other parts of northern Europe, beginning in the 12th century.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Purchased by Julius Carlebach Gallery, New York; purchased by Walters Art Museum, May 27 1958.
Exhibitions
| 2019 | The Book of Beasts: The Bestiary in the Medieval World . J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles. |
| 1995 | The Allure of Bronze. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
| 1981 | The Meeting of Two Worlds: The Crusades and the Mediterranean Context. The University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor. |
| 1959-1960 | Russian Art: Icons and Decorative Arts from the Origin to the Twentieth Century. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
Geographies
Egypt
(Place of Origin)
Italy (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 7 5/8 x W: 8 3/4 x D: 3 13/16 in. (19.4 x 22.3 x 9.6 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, 1958
Location in Museum
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
54.2434