Chrismatory , Paris 1667, Sterling Silver, étienne Lemasson

Extremely rare chrismatory in solid silver from the Louis XIV period with the hallmark of the master silversmith Étienne Lemasson and the crowned Paris date letter Y for the year 1667. The cylindrical body is engraved with unidentified abbots  or episcopal coat of arms. Inside is a solid silver container most likely from the same era but not hallmarked. A chrismatory is intended to contain the Holy Chrism, an ointment used in the Catholic liturgy during Baptism, Confirmation and ordinations. This mixture of vegetable oils (traditionally olive oil) and Judean balsam (perfume) is also used for the consecration of an altar, a chalice, a paten and even a Church bell. The Holy Oils  are consecrated by the bishop in a religious service which takes place during Holy Week in the presence of all the priests of the bishopric, traditionally on Maundy Thursday. Although we have written testimonies recounting the anointing of the baptized, the sick and priests since the fifth century, the oldest chrismatories preserved today only date from the thirteenth century. The most legendary Chrismatory is without any the Sainte-Ampoule used during the coronation and anointing ceremony of the kings of France. It is also extremely rare to find French religious objects in silver, having escaped the great melting  campaigns  ordered by Louis XIV, the Regent and then the revolutionary governments ..... This beautiful object weighs 70 grams.