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Chrismatory

ca. 1200–1220
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Chrismatory
  • Date: ca. 1200–1220
  • Geography: Made in Limoges, France
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: Gilded copper with champlevé enamel
  • Dimensions: Overall: 3 7/8 x 5 9/16 x 3 3/4 in. (9.9 x 14.2 x 9.6 cm)
    Overall (without feet): 3 3/8 x 5 9/16 x 3 3/4 in. (8.6 x 14.2 x 9.6 cm)
  • Classification: Enamels-Champlevé
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.853
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

More Artwork

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Container for Holy Oils, Bone, with paint and metal pins, Frankish
Container for Holy Oils
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400–600
Reliquary Bust of Saint Yrieix, Silver and gilded silver with rock crystal, gems, and glass, French
Reliquary Bust of Saint Yrieix
French
ca. 1220–40, with later grill
Plaque with the Pentecost, Champlevé enamel and gilded copper, South Netherlandish
Plaque with the Pentecost
South Netherlandish
ca. 1150–75
The Fieschi Morgan Staurotheke, Gilded silver, gold, enamel worked in cloisonné, and niello, Byzantine
The Fieschi Morgan Staurotheke
Byzantine
early 9th century
Tabernacle of Cherves, Champlevé enamel on gilded copper, French
Tabernacle of Cherves
French
ca. 1220–1230

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