A French pyxis wafer box of champeleve enamel on copper, “box with no cross, round fields with Christ's monogram on white ground. In between blue ground with vines” - Text taken from Ole Olsen. Limoges, 13th century. H. 9.2 cm. Diam 6.5 cm.
Provenance: The collection of the artist Peter Brandes Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneer 845/320, November 2013. Provenance: Ole Olsen Collection; Herman Schmitz. P 19. Tav. IV. No. 5. In the bottom number 5 written in red. Sculptur, professor Einar Utzon-Frank's Collection, his auction ABR 67, 1955. lot no 399.
The pyxis was designed to hold communion wafers consecrated during the mass. Early pyxes are often small box-shaped objects with tightly fitting lids to avoid any accident to the communion wafers. This pyxis is decorated with the letters IHS the first "Jesus in Greek. Known as the Sacred Monogram it has been used as a symbol for Christ since the 6th century. Enamelling was used in the medieval period to embellish the most revered object such as those used by royalty or by the church.
Condition report available on request
Please note: The item is subject to the Anti-Money Laundering Act. In the event of a hammer price of DKK 50,000 or more, including buyer’s premium, the buyer must submit a copy of a valid photo ID and proof of address in order to collect the item.