gemellion (basin for washing hands)

gemellion (basin for washing hands) , late 1200s

Where object was made: France

Material/technique: bronze; champlevé enamel

Dimensions:
Object Diameter (Diameter): 22 cm
Object Diameter (Diameter): 8 11/16 in

Credit line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Leopold Blumka

Accession number: 1959.0003

Not on display

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Archive Label:
Basins such as this were used by the priest to wash his hands at the Eucharist and at certain special offices of the Church. Water was a symbol of purification and the cleansing of hands became a symbolic act, washing away sin before the performance of sacred rites.