AN EXCEPTIONAL RARE, DOCUMENTED AND LARGE MEDIEVAL BRONZE CAULDRON

AN EXCEPTIONAL RARE, DOCUMENTED AND LARGE MEDIEVAL BRONZE CAULDRON

C.1300-1400

five gallon, having an almost spherical body, with pronounced casting ridges and three wire mouldings (cords), curved handles, the legs with pronounced central ribs

34.1cm high to rim, 30.5cm diameter

Catalogue Note

For a very similar, but much worn example, now in the Somerset Museum, Taunton, see R. Butler & C. Green, 'English Bronze Cooking Vessels & Their Founders 1350-1830' p. 171, no.184. There are clear indications that this cauldron is an early example and not made using typical production methods that prevailed in England during the 16th / 17th centuries. Namely, the surface shows no signs of a wiped finish, (often found on later vessels) and instead has a uniform granular texture and neatly executed wire mouldings. Furthermore, the presence of a flashline indicates the cauldron was probably loam cast, a technique used by late Medieval bell founders.