Liturgical cloth 'Behold the Lamb of God', 17th century

This textile was sold in the period 1929-1935 during the Stalin regime to the West to gather valuta for the Soviet economic reforms.

Private Collection, USA

 

Recklinghausen, Ikonen Museum,  Pforte der Himmels, 2008

E. Haustein-Bartsch (ed.), Pforte der Himmels, Kerber Verlag Bielefeld, 2008, Cat. No. 198

In overall good condition. We would advise prospective buyers to view.
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After the preparation of the Eucharistic gifts, the chalice and diskos are covered with a chalice cloth. Every single vessel is covered by its own fabric, and all, in turn, are covered with one large cloth. The motif depicted on the chalice cloth is usually the Mother of God of the miraculous sign of Novgorod, whilst the "worship of the lamb of god" is often found on the cloth which covers the diskos. Unlike in the Occidental Church, art of the Eastern Orthodox Church refuses to depict Jesus as an animal, which is why the naked baby Jesus is placed as a "sacrificial lamb" on the diskos, above which the Asterisk is placed, symbolising the Star of Bethlehem which shone at Christ's birth. Christ is flanked by angels on both sides, bowing in worship over the borders of the chalice. They stand on suppedanea and carry liturgical fans in their hands covered with Cherubim and Seraphim. The depiction, which is integrated into a circular locket, is encircled by a liturgical inscription in Old Church Slavonic. Cherubim and Seraphim are also located in the corners of the fabric. The presence of the angels refers to the unity of earthly and heavenly liturgy.