Masterpieces & Curiosities: A Medieval Aquamanile

The first in the new series Masterpieces & Curiosities that focuses on a single work in the Jewish Museum collection, this exhibition will feature a rare Jewish lion aquamanile (handwashing pitcher) that was recently acquired. It was created in Germany in the twelfth century, probably for secular or church use, but was transformed into a synagogue ritual object after the mid-sixteenth century through the addition of a Hebrew dedication inscription. Using additional works, the exhibition will examine the contexts in which the aquamanile was created and converted, and explore the issues that it raises about valuation, sanctification, and cultural borrowing.

Aquamanilia are bronze handwashing pitchers in the shape of animals, mythical creatures or humans that began to appear in Europe beginning in the twelfth century. They were used to cleanse the hands during meals or in the celebration of the Eucharist in churches. This exhibition will focus on a recent museum acquisition, a rare Jewish lion aquamanile that was created in Germany in the twelfth century. While its original function is unknown, several centuries later a man named Berekhiah Segal added a Hebrew dedicatory inscription, probably on the occasion of its donation to a synagogue. The aquamanile therefore represents an intriguing story of a centuries-old object that was still valued enough to become an honored gift to a Jewish house of worship. Although aquamanilia are not uncommon, only four from Jewish contexts have been identified.

This example of preserving and repurposing an antique object is not unique in Jewish ceremonial art. To explore this phenomenon, the aquamanile will be displayed in the context of other collection works that were proudly inscribed by their new owners a century or more after they were made. Whether they were family heirlooms, refurbished synagogue objects worn out through constant use, or obtained through second-hand dealers, these works were valued and renewed in the service of Jewish ritual.

Masterpieces & Curiosities: A Medieval Aquamanile is organized by Susan L. Braunstein, Henry J. Leir Curator. It is the first in a series of small essay exhibitions each focusing on a single work from the permanent collection of the Jewish Museum, each contextualizing and rethinking the piece on view by surrounding it with other artworks, documents, and source materials. The series is organized by Jens Hoffmann, Deputy Director, Exhibitions and Public Programs, and Emily Casden, Curatorial Assistant.

About Masterpieces & Curiosities

Masterpieces & Curiosities is a series of intimate “essay” exhibitions organized around single works from the permanent collection of the Jewish Museum. Each exhibition examines and rethinks the piece on view by surrounding it with other artworks, objects, documents, and source materials. Unlike traditional museum exhibitions, it does not offer a master narrative to reinforce an artistic canon or explain knowledge and experience, but rather explores the stories that inform the individual artwork or cultural object.

Some of the works in focus are masterpieces—recognized artworks of unmatched value, great significance, beauty, and craftsmanship. Others are oddities—unexpected and eccentric creations that merit closer attention. Even the most apparently traditional or peculiar work of art reveals complex histories and rich layers of meaning when it is seen freshly, through a contemporary lens and in the larger context of cultural and social history.

The Jewish Museum’s permanent collection is vast and heterogeneous. Masterpieces & Curiosities aims to invigorate our study and display of these objects in innovative ways, thus celebrating their diversity and discovering some of the collection’s many hidden treasures.

Jens Hoffmann
Deputy Director
Exhibitions and Public Programs