XIVth century Aquamanile (water pitcher)

A very interesting visit to the exhibit called Dining in the Middle Ages at the XIVth century  "Tour Jean sans Peur", the last remnants of the Duc de Bourgogne palace in Paris. 

This is a water pitcher in the image of a unicorne - for pouring water, not to drink but to wash hands.  I had a lot of misconceptions about table manners of those times that have been corrected!   Hands were washed before and after meals, since they ate with their fingers.  Also it was considered impolite to speak while the Head of the table was drinking, or to chew while he was speaking!  And the left arm had to stay on the table - a custom which is still very prevalent today!