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The Attarouthi Treasure - Censer

500–650
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 300
This censer bears a Greek inscription: "For the salvation of Kerykos, son of Michaelios, and Martyrios, genuine brothers." Its imagery includes crosses and several saints: John the Forerunner, a deacon holding a censer (likely Saint Stephen), an unidentified youth, and a figure shown in the orant prayer pose. The vessel retains its original copper liner, which once held burning coals and incense. During the Orthodox Christian liturgy, deacons rhythmically swing censers, releasing fragrant smoke to honor the Gospel, the altar, and the sacred vessels 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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The Attarouthi Treasure - Censer, Silver and gilded silver with copper liner, Byzantine
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Doorway from the Church of San Nicolò, San Gemini, Marble (Lunense marble from Carrara), Central Italian
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