The treasure of medieval goldsmithery of Saint-Omer conceals a pyxis, said to be pedunculated (with a foot), quite astonishing. Intended to preserve the hosts, this type of object generally takes the form of a closed cylindrical box with a conical lid. Its preciousness must reflect the sacred character of its contents, ivory, precious metals and stones are not uncommon in its ornamentation.
Dated around 1215-1225, this copy takes a very original form, with large openings allowing to see the Blessed Sacrament (the hosts). The addition of a foot is rare at this period, but it is above all the architectural composition that surprises. It is common for censers and shrine-reliquaries, although in a very different form. Not yet identified, the workshop at the origin of the object chose here an antique style marked by three galleries with superimposed arcades, which one finds in Western art of the High Middle Ages, mosaics of Ravenna (6th century) to the calendars of Carolingian manuscripts (9th century).
For ornamentation, we find the watermarks and cabochons of the Clairmarais cross. They are less dense here and glass replaces precious stones, but the overall effect remains very rich.The treasure of medieval goldsmithery of Saint-Omer conceals a pyxis, said to be pedunculated (with a foot), quite astonishing. Intended to preserve the hosts, this type of object generally takes the form of a closed cylindrical box with a conical lid. Its preciousness must reflect the sacred character of its contents, ivory, precious metals and stones are not uncommon in its ornamentation.
Dated around 1215-1225, this copy takes a very original form, with large openings allowing to see the Blessed Sacrament (the hosts). The addition of a foot is rare at this period, but it is above all the architectural composition that surprises. It is common for censers and shrine-reliquaries, although in a very different form. Not yet identified, the workshop at the origin of the object chose here an antique style marked by three galleries with superimposed arcades, which one finds in Western art of the High Middle Ages, mosaics of Ravenna (6th century) to the calendars of Carolingian manuscripts (9th century).
For ornamentation, we find the watermarks and cabochons of the Clairmarais cross. They are less dense here and glass replaces precious stones, but the overall effect remains very rich.