#gothic metalwork

[thecrankyprofessor]

Table Fountain c. 1320–40. France, Paris. Gilt-silver and translucent enamel; 31.1 x 24.1 x 26 cm. Gift of J. H. Wade, 1924.859

How does a table fountain work - a great little animation!

Cleveland Museum of Art

[monstrancesobvi]

Pyx

Date: circa 1300

Location Created: Austria, Probably Salzburg 

Materials: silver and gilt silver

Dimensions: Diameter: 4.80 x 7.80 cm (1 7/8 x 3 1/16 inches)

Current Location: The Cleveland Museum of Art

Original Link

The Pyx was originally used to carry the Eucharist for safety and for transport. The consecrated host gained importance in the Catholic liturgy and faith after the Lateran council of 1215 decreed the edict of transubstantiation, or the actuality of the Eucharist as the actual flesh of Christ. 

As perceived power of the Eucharist grew, more and more of the faithful laity desired to see the consecrated host, especially as the amount of Latin-speaking laity decreased, perhaps increasing feelings of isolation and removal from direct salvation. 

These reasons, along with advancements in material techniques led to the increase in see-through, or visible capsae (or capsules) known as monstrances, or ostensorium for the Eucharist and other relics.

[monstrancesobvi]

Monstrance with a Relic of Saint Sebastian

Creator: Werner Korff (goldsmith)

Date: c. 1484

Location Created: Brunswick, Lower Saxony, Germany

Materials: gilded silver, rock crystal

DImensions: 47.00 cm (18 1/2 inches)

Current Location: The Cleveland Museum of Art

Original Link

[monstrancesobvi]

Monstrance Reliquary

Date: 1200-1300

Location created: France

Material:  copper: gilded, engraved; rock crystal

Dimensions: 35.95 x 17.80 cm (14 1/8 x 7 inches)

Current location: The Cleveland Museum of Art

Original Link