Large cast and chased bronze fountain tap featuring a half-f - Lot 89

Large cast and chased bronze fountain tap featuring a half-feline, half-dragon head with open mouth, almond-shaped eyes and long tapered ears thrown back, key in the shape of a crowned mermaid holding her right breast. Germany, 15th century H. 19 cm - L. 37 cm Base (slight accidents) The animal-shaped head, with its protruding, stretched eyes, crushed muzzle and long, hollowed ears, is reminiscent of certain aquamanile heads given as Northern German, circa 1400 and 15th century. Works consulted: - O. von Falke and E. Meyer, Romanische Leuchter und Gefässe Giessgafässe der Gotik, Berlin, 1935-1983, pp. 216-223. - G. Bekker, Figürliche Bronzen von der Antike bis zur Gegenwart, Leipzig, Museum für Kunsthandwerk, 2004, pp. 88-89.