Box, walrus ivory, probably intended as a pyx, Anglo-Saxon (probably Winchester), probably second quarter of the 11th century

The narrative begins logically on the front: A monk is shown advancing towards an altar, carrying a chalice in his covered hands. The altar is vested and set with a candlestick and candle. To the right two tonsured figures are in close and animated discussion beneath a rounded arch. On the back is shown a prostrate monk, stretched out horizontally but his legs still resting on the kneeler. He is connected to another figure on the right, who is gesturing with his right hand to the former. This is before a small building with steps in front and there is a square tower between the figures. Behind the standing figure is a heavy curtain gathered up to reveal a large chalice standing on an arcaded dais. There is a simple roll-moulding at the top of the box, but at the bottom the same moulding only extends across the back of the box. The lid is missing.
The box is carved in one without the need for a separate base plate. There is a square hole in the base perhaps to secure a later metal mount.

Purchased from Webb, £48.

Historical significance: The unique narrative images at the box have challenged an acceptable interpretation of the subject matter. The narrative appears to represent a relatively obscure story. The narrative may most plausibly be interpreted as showing the use of a grand chalice by an abbot, the discovery of its theft, and the confession and prostration of the guilty monk before the abbot, with the hidden chalice finally revealed behind the latter.

probably second quarter of the 11th century

This is an Anglo-Saxon ivory box probably made in Winchester, probably in the second quarter of the eleventh century. Boxes like this are known to have been kept in cathedral treasuries. They were probably used as containers for the host (the consecrated bread) and the material reflects their important function.
The unique narrative images at the box have challenged an acceptable interpretation of the subject matter. The narrative appears to represent a relatively obscure story. The narrative may most plausibly be interpreted as showing the use of a grand chalice by an abbot, the discovery of its theft, and the confession and prostration of the guilty monk before the abbot, with the hidden chalice finally revealed behind the latter. The high relief of this box and the style of the figures relate it to the so-called St John of Beverley crozier, also a work of the middle of the eleventh century.

268-1867