ca. 1250-75
Town Limoges,
France
France
Object qualities
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Objectarmor: Gemellion
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumCopper: formed, engraved, gilt; champlevГ© enamel: medium blue, turquoise, and white
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SizeOverall: 8 7/8 x 9 1/4 x 1 3/8 in. (22.5 x 23.5 x 3.5 cm)
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Geography details
Town Limoges,
France -
Country today
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Dateca. 1250-75
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CultureFrench
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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This gemellion, or enamel basin, testifies to the dialogue between the Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem and the Limousin region of France, renowned for its enamel production. The arms of that kingdom, a large cross surrounded by small crosses, appear at the center of the bowl. Four men armed with shields and clubs separated by three-towered castles surround the arms. Originally part of a pair, the bowl was used to pour water over the hands from the small “gargoyle” or animal-head spout set into the side.