The Animal Ewer
The decoration guides the viewer to the world of amphitheatres. The entire surface of the ewer on a decagonal base with a capacity of approximately 4 litres is covered by 120 hexagonal panels. Some of these are decorated with floral motifs, while others are ornamented with animal and human figures. Besides the superbly engraved lions, wild boars, bears and hares, the figures of bestiarii—young men holding whips in their hands, who teased and set wild animals against each other in amphitheatres—can also be seen. The upper part of the ewer and its hemispherical lid are decorated with male busts and heads. The neck is surrounded by an oak branch full of acorns, which was fashioned in relief.
The animal ewer probably belonged to a wash set and could also have been used as a wine ewer. The body of the vessel was shaped by hammering. The engraved representations are made even more decorative with blackish niello inlay and gilding. The lid was hinged to open easily. It must have been used for a long time because the engraved details of the youth heads next to the rivets affixing the lid wore off completely.
