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Chrismatory or communion box

Description

A chrismatory designed to hold the three oils blessed by a bishop on Holy Thursday. The lid is decorated with a symbol of the Lamb of God; the front with two griffins. With three tear-shaped pewter phials - one marked with an `I' symbol for oil of the sick (`oleum infirmorum'); the second marked with a `C' for the chrism (consecrated oil used for annointing in sacred rites); the third marked with a dotted symbol, presumably for the oil of the catechumans or `oleum sanctum' (for a Christian convert under instruction before baptism).

A rectangular wooden box covered with tooled leather; LID: flat, hinged and decorated with symbol of the `Lamb of God' carrying a pennant and decorative scrolled leaves and hatched border tooled onto leather; FRONT with two griffens rampant supporting (empty) shield; leather split around iron hinge plates and lock hasp (part of hasp is missing); lock plate inserted between leather and wood; SIDES - leather has two slits on each side, presumable for a carry strap; INTERIOR - wood carved out with holes for phials PHIALS: three tear-shaped pewter phials: 1. marked with an `I' symbol for oil of the sick (`oleum infirmorum') 2. marked with a `C' for the chrism (consecrated oil used for annointing in sacred rites) 3. marked with a dotted symbol, presumably for the oil of the catechumans or `oleum sanctum' (for a Christian convert under instruction before baptism).

  • Measurements

  • Length

    140 mm

  • Width

    60 mm

  • Height

    97 mm

  • Credit line

    CC-BY-NC-ND Image Courtesy of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust