A rare cast copper-alloy Medieval chrismatory or holy oil flask, dating to circa, AD 1100-1300. The vessel is shaped like an ampulla, with a bulbous rounded body, narrow neck and open oval side handles. Unlike the typical pilgrim souvenirs, it is not made of lead but a much harder copper alloy. The flask is in excellent condition with a smooth, lightly pitted surface, and an attractive pale-green patina. Derived from the Greek word chrisma, meaning “anoint,” the same root word for Christós or “anointed one”, the chrismatory was a receptacle for the oil used in sacramental rites of passage and church ceremonies. The use of oil in religious practice dates all the way back to the Old Testament, the first reference being to a ceremony anointing Aaron, the high priest, and his descendants. In the Gospel of Mark, the disciples cast out demons at the same time they anointed and healed the sick. Jesus himself is anointed in Bethany with an expensive ointment of “pure nard” poured over his head. Because oil was costly, in frequent use, and integral to the administration of certain sacraments, the chrismatory was a convenient, storage system for the different types of oil the priest needed in order to fulfil his religious obligations. It is likely that this example is one of a trio from a travelling chrismatory, or set of three holy oils used for various purposes: oleum infirmorum for the sick; oleum catechumenorum for baptism; and chrisma or balm, used for confirmation, ordination and certain consecrations.

Dimensions: 46 mm x 32 mm.

For similar examples see the PAS database: SUR-FA2AB0 and WAW-FFC367.