- 104
A Netherlandish silver Christmatory, unmarked, circa 1591
Estimate
1,000 - 2,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- silver
- 6.7cm., 2 5/8 in. high
engraved S and C on body and cover, underside dated 1591 and Main / Wault
Condition
few dents overall, one with solder repair, rims of cover and foot sligthly bent commensurate with age and use.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
A chrismatory is a container used in Roman Catholic worship for holy oils used in sacramental rites of passage and church ceremonies. It is usually composed of three receptacles, with appropriate initials 'I', 'B', 'C' to identify the different oils: 'oleum infirmorum' to anoint the sick; 'oleum catechumenorum' for baptism and 'chrisma' for confirmation, ordination and consecration. On this unusual two-receptacle example, S could be in place of the B – 'oleum catechumenorum' for baptism, also called ‘oleum sanctorum’.
Alternatively, SC sometimes stands for Sacred Chrism, which means this Chrismatory might be made only for Chrism instead of the usual three different types. A christmatory also initialled S.C, circa 1703-1708, is in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (M. 123-1953).
Alternatively, SC sometimes stands for Sacred Chrism, which means this Chrismatory might be made only for Chrism instead of the usual three different types. A christmatory also initialled S.C, circa 1703-1708, is in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (M. 123-1953).
The engraving probably relates to the town of Mainvault, in the province of Hainault.