1/ Hanap (goblet)
Partially-gilded, embossed, engraved silver
Germany, late 16th century
Loaned by Saumur, Château - Museum
Inv No. 919.13.2.274
This hanap, which is a very similar shape to a piece from the Trésor des trois Epis (Colmar), has a German inscription in the upper gilded band.
2/ Dish or bowl with the coat of arms of Marie of Cleves
Stamped silver
Paris or Angoulême, between 1457 and 1487
Orleans, Musée d’Histoire et d’Archéologie, Hôtel Cabu
Inv No. A 7205
Silver dish of medieval typology. The numerous knife marks suggest that this was part of everyday tableware. The diamond-shaped shield stamped on the wing designates the owner as Marie of Cleves, Duchess of Orléans (1426 – 1487).
3/ Plate
Brass (moulded)
Germany (Nuremberg), second half of the 16th century
Niort, Musée Bernard d’Agesci
Inv No. 914.1.282
This flat plate is decorated with a medallion of knotwork and foliage, surrounded by a wreath of plants. It has a raised mark in its centre, with the monogram NH surrounding a ewer.
4/ Zoomorphic ewer
Copper alloy
First half of the 6th century C. E.
Merovingian Cemetery of Vicq
Ile-de-France Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs, Regional Archaeology Department
Inv No. VICQ.617.2
Zoomorphic ewer (pitcher) with a rhinoceros-shaped head. The handle is decorated with a small bird. The belly is adorned with geometric patterns. This pitcher is the only one of its kind from the Merovingian world. It may have been made in Byzantine North Africa or Visigoth Spain.
FOR KIDS
Can you guess which animal the head on this jug belongs to?
It's a rhinoceros head and on the handle you can see a small bird.
This jug is said to be zoomorphic because it is shaped like an animal.