Copper and iron rain spout
Museum no. 1208-1872
Metal rain spouts and stone gargoyles throw rainwater well clear of a building. In Europe they often took the form of animals or beasts, like this dragon. The water flowed from its mouth, making it seem like a living creature. Decorative ironwork is an attractive feature of many German buildings. This dragon rain spout would have projected far beyond the eaves and been supported by elaborately foliated brackets. Originally, the decorative effect was heightened by added colour and gilding.