Chrismatory

French

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 304

This ornamented box probably once contained holy oils, the use of which at baptism is noted by early Christian writers. Oils were also used for other sacraments, such as confirmation, the ordination of priests, and extreme unction, and for the consecration of churches. Few medieval containers for holy oils survive.

Chrismatory, Copper: engraved, chased, and gilt; champlevé enamel: lapis and lavender blue, turquoise, light and dark green, red, and white, French

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