This vessel, crafted in the Winchester style during the Late Anglo-Saxon and Ottonian periods in the first half of the 10th century, is a remarkable work of art. It is made of gilded copper alloy and features intricate details in both incised and relief ornamentation.
The vessel has a distinctive design, possibly serving as a mug. It has an inverted rim, a rounded abdomen, and a belted foot. The handle of the vessel takes the form of a snake, which appears to be wriggling out of the head of an animal at the rim. There are remnants of a hinge near the rim, suggesting that a lid was once attached but has since been lost.
The spout of the vessel is shaped like an animal head, with lenticular eyes, a collar adorned with notched grooves, and spiral-shaped shoulders above a subtriangular fluted breast. Above the spout, there is a depiction of a winged quadruped holding its tail and biting its own front paw.
The body of the vessel is adorned with two groups of five reliefs symmetrically placed on either side of the spout. These reliefs feature pairs of birds with armored wings, pecking at central foliage. Small animal masks separate these relief groups. The foot of the vessel is encircled by a simple molding and decorated with a continuous formalized palmette ornament set against a background of pointillism. Even the underside of the foot is gilded, showcasing the attention to detail in its design.
The Winchester style, with its rich ornamentation and intricate craftsmanship, is evident in this vessel, reflecting the artistic achievements of the Late Anglo-Saxon and Ottonian cultures during the 10th century.