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Situla (Bucket for Holy Water)
Additional Images (6)

Situla (Bucket for Holy Water)

Date: 860–880
Geography: Made in northern France
Culture: Carolingian
Medium: Ivory with gilded copper-alloy mounts and foil inlays
Dimensions: Overall (with handle up): 8 5/16 x 6 1/16 x 5 1/8 in. (21.1 x 15.4 x 13 cm) Overall (with handle down): 6 3/16 x 6 1/16 x 5 1/8 in. (15.7 x 15.4 x 13 cm) Overall (vessel only): 5 3/4 x 5 1/16 in. (14.6 x 12.8 cm) diameter of foot: 3 1/8 in. (8 cm)
Classification: Ivories
Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number: 17.190.45
On view in Gallery 304
Description Object Information Related Objects Online Resources Video Audio
Buckets such as this were used for sprinkling holy water upon the faithful during processions. Ivory examples are exceptionally rare, and this one is the earliest to survive. An entire section of an elephant tusk, hollowed out, made it possible to decorate the surface of this bucket with scenes from the life of Jesus. On the lower register are depicted the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Dream of Joseph, and the Baptism of Jesus. On the upper register are the Betrayal, the Flagellation, the Last Supper, the Ascension, the Holy Women at the Sepulchre, and the Crucifixion.
  • Provenance

    J. Pierpont Morgan, London and New York

Some related objects from the collection
Finger Ring

Finger Ring
Date: 6th–7th century
Medium: Copper alloy, glass paste, partial gilt, meersham or cuttlefish bone
Accession Number: 17.192.230
Not on view

Situla (Bucket for Holy Water) with Saint Peter and Other Saints, Probably Apostles

Situla (Bucket for Holy Water) with Saint Peter and Other Saints, Probably Apostles
Date: ca. 1200–1225
Medium: Champlevé enamel, copper, iron. Ground probably once gilt.
Accession Number: 17.190.509
On view in Gallery 304

Plaque with the Crucifixion

Plaque with the Crucifixion
Date: 14th century
Medium: Ivory mounted on wood support, copper-gilt frame
Accession Number: 17.190.270
Not on view

Part of a Reliquary

Part of a Reliquary
Date: 19th–20th century (12th century style)
Medium: Copper-gilt, enamel, ivory, cabochons, cameos
Accession Number: 17.190.400
Not on view

Virgin and Child

Virgin and Child
Date: 15th–16th century (?)
Medium: Ivory, modern copper-gilt crown
Accession Number: 32.100.211a, b
Not on view

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