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The Attarouthi Treasure - Censer

500–650
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 300
With Saint John the Forerunner, a youthful saint, a deacon saint with a censer (probably Saint Stephen), a saint in orant pose, and crosses

Inscribed in Greek: For the salvation of Kerykos, son of Michaelios, and Martyrios, genuine brothers

These censers retain their original copper liners, which held hot coals and incense. Deacons swung the censers, releasing the perfume of the incense to honor the Gospel, the altar, and the objects used in the Eucharist.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Attarouthi Treasure - Censer
  • Date: 500–650
  • Geography: Made in Attarouthi, Syria
  • Culture: Byzantine
  • Medium: Silver and gilded silver with copper liner
  • Dimensions: Overall (without chain): 3 x 5 3/16 in. (7.6 x 13.1 cm)
    Overall (hanging with chain): 15 3/4 x 5 3/16 in. (40 x 13.1 cm)
    Diam. of foot: 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm); 398.2g
  • Classification: Metalwork-Steel
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund and Henry J. and Drue E. Heinz Foundation, Norbert Schimmel, and Lila Acheson Wallace Gifts, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.3.13
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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