Aquamanile

A knight in full armour is steadying a restless horse. The animal appears to be bending its back legs, about to buck its rider. The front legs are rigid. Turning slightly to the right, the rider is sitting straight-backed. His sword arm is bent back a little. He is ready to fight. There is nothing in this lively statue to indicate its original function. That is because an essential part of the piece is missing: a spout with a tap in the horse's breast. This is an aquamanile, a 'water jug' for washing the hands. This example is one of the most eloquent thirteenth-century aquamaniles to survive.