This was made to contain chrism (from the Greek word for ‘anoint’), which is the holy oil used in the Christian sacraments of confirmation, baptism and ordination. Chrism is made of pure olive oil and balsam. The trefoil shape of the chrismatory corresponds to the three separate compartments.
Ritual cleansing and anointing play a crucial part in Christian worship, as they do in other religions. Water, salt, incense and oils are used in ceremonies such as baptism and confirmation, and in the blessing of individuals and of sacred objects like altars and bells.
Physical description
Silver, parcel- gilt. Triangular with figures of saints under Gothic canopies, the cover surmounted by a crucifix.
Place of Origin
Germany (made)
Date
late 15th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Silver, parcel-gilt
Marks and inscriptions
On plate under lid and under base: A
Engraved on Plate under lid: S?CAT CHRI and III
Dimensions
Height: 17.30 cm, Width: 9.50 cm
Historical context note
Medieval Worship
Until the 16th century Roman Catholicism was the universal faith of the Western world and Latin was its universal language. The needs of church ritual inspired the production of a range of richly decorated vessels and vestments, crosses and images in the form of altarpieces. Many were made of gold or silver, adorned with enamels or gems, precious materials seen as symbolic of the reverence due to the worship of God. Less wealthy churches used cheaper vessels in copper, brass or pewter.
The celebration of Mass was and remains the most important service of the Roman Catholic liturgy. For this the minimum requirements are an altar, a chalice and missal, the book of texts necessary for the Mass. Holy Communion or Eucharist is that part of the Mass in which the people participate in the sacrifice of Christ, by partaking of his body and blood in the consecrated bread and wine, held in the chalice and paten.
Descriptive line
Silver, parcel-gilt, Germany, dated 1499
Exhibition History
Medieval Worship (Sacred Silver and Stained Glass Galleries, the Victoria and Albert Museum 22/11/2005-22/11/2005)
Labels and date
Chrismatory
This was made to contain chrism (from the Greek word for ‘anoint’), which is the holy oil used in the Christian sacraments of confirmation, baptism and ordination. Chrism is made of pure olive oil and balsam. The trefoil shape of the chrismatory corresponds to the three separate compartments.
Ritual cleansing and anointing play a crucial part in Christian worship, as they do in other religions. Water, salt, incense and oils are used in ceremonies such as baptism and confirmation, and in the blessing of individuals and of sacred objects like altars and bells.
Germany, dated 1499
Silver, partly gilded
Museum no. 7243-1861 [27/10/2005]
CHRISMATORY
Silver, parcel-gilt
Mark, A
German; late 15th century
Materials
Silver
Techniques
Parcel gilding
Subjects depicted
Crucifix; Saints
Categories
Metalwork; Religion; Christianity
Collection code
MET
