Gemellion with a Coronation Scene in the Cloisters, October 2010

Gemellion with Coronation Scene

Date: ca. 1250–75

Geography: Made in Limousin, France

Culture: French

Medium: Copper, wrought, gilt and Champlevé enamel

Dimensions: Overall: 10 1/8 x 1 7/8 in. (25.7 x 4.8 cm)

Classification: Enamels-Champlevé

Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1947

Accession Number: 47.101.41

Description: Gemellions, which appeared in the thirteenth century in Limoges, were used for liturgical and secular hand washing. As their name indicates (derived from gemellus, the Latin word for "twin"), these vessels were produced in pairs--one bowl with a small spout to pour water over the hands and the other to serve as a catch basin.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/471277