WP - Pyx - Hostiedoosje / Chrismatorium - .813 silver - Pyxis Chrisma/hostiedoos
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€ 90
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Selected by Inés Fernández
Specialised in Spanish and Portuguese silver with over 10 years in galleries and auctions.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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A 19th‑century silver pyxis/chrismatorium from Vienna, Austria, dated 1864, marked WP with a Vienna assay mark (A 1864, 13 loth = 812/1000), measuring 4.5 × 5.7 cm and weighing 114 g, featuring a lid with a host box and an interior divided into three oil compartments, all inner surfaces gilded.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Silver 19th-century pyxis made in Vienna in 1864. Vienna was then still part of the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy. This pyxis has a dual function for storing both Hosts and three different types of holy oils, a Chrismatorium. It features various compartments, all gilded on the inside. The large lower section has three compartments for the holy oils. Outside, these are marked with an engraved C, S, and J. These stand for: Chrism, Oleum Salutis, and Oleum Infirmorum. On the lid of the oil box, a pyxis for Hosts is attached. An engraved cross is present on its lid.
Thanks to this dual-functionality, the priest could carry both communion hosts and sick oil in a box during visits to the sick and the dying.
The box is marked with two different silver hallmarks. One is the maker's mark: WP. The second is a purity mark with the year and place of manufacture. This mark bears the Vienna mark, the year 1864, and the purity mark 13. The latter indicates 13 loth = 812/1000.
Dimensions: 4.5 x 5.7 cm
Weight: 114 grams
Condition: good, (see photos).
A Chrismatorium is a two- or three-part sealed box or vessel used to store the holy oils (soaked in cotton) that are used during the administration of various sacraments. It can be made of silver, tin, or glass, and is sometimes gilded on the inside. The three oils are designated by letters according to their use: OC or OS (Oleum Catechumenorum or Oleum Salutis), SC (Chrisma or Sanctum Chrisma), and OI (Oleum Infirmorum), respectively for anointing catechumens (baptism or faith learners), newly baptized or confirmands, and the sick. The most important of the oils, the chrism (SC), is also used for other anointings, such as those of bishops, priests, altars, vessels, and bells. The three oils are renewed and consecrated by the bishop on Holy Thursday and distributed by the dean. In the Old Catholic Church, the oils soaked in cotton are distributed by the bishop or archpriest using forks to the pastors. In an oil box with two compartments, the catechumen oil and the chrism are stored. The oil for the sick is often kept in a separate small oil box or together with the consecrated host in a two-part sick box. Until the mid-20th century, the term 'chrismatorium' was used for the oil box.
Silver 19th-century pyxis made in Vienna in 1864. Vienna was then still part of the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy. This pyxis has a dual function for storing both Hosts and three different types of holy oils, a Chrismatorium. It features various compartments, all gilded on the inside. The large lower section has three compartments for the holy oils. Outside, these are marked with an engraved C, S, and J. These stand for: Chrism, Oleum Salutis, and Oleum Infirmorum. On the lid of the oil box, a pyxis for Hosts is attached. An engraved cross is present on its lid.
Thanks to this dual-functionality, the priest could carry both communion hosts and sick oil in a box during visits to the sick and the dying.
The box is marked with two different silver hallmarks. One is the maker's mark: WP. The second is a purity mark with the year and place of manufacture. This mark bears the Vienna mark, the year 1864, and the purity mark 13. The latter indicates 13 loth = 812/1000.
Dimensions: 4.5 x 5.7 cm
Weight: 114 grams
Condition: good, (see photos).
A Chrismatorium is a two- or three-part sealed box or vessel used to store the holy oils (soaked in cotton) that are used during the administration of various sacraments. It can be made of silver, tin, or glass, and is sometimes gilded on the inside. The three oils are designated by letters according to their use: OC or OS (Oleum Catechumenorum or Oleum Salutis), SC (Chrisma or Sanctum Chrisma), and OI (Oleum Infirmorum), respectively for anointing catechumens (baptism or faith learners), newly baptized or confirmands, and the sick. The most important of the oils, the chrism (SC), is also used for other anointings, such as those of bishops, priests, altars, vessels, and bells. The three oils are renewed and consecrated by the bishop on Holy Thursday and distributed by the dean. In the Old Catholic Church, the oils soaked in cotton are distributed by the bishop or archpriest using forks to the pastors. In an oil box with two compartments, the catechumen oil and the chrism are stored. The oil for the sick is often kept in a separate small oil box or together with the consecrated host in a two-part sick box. Until the mid-20th century, the term 'chrismatorium' was used for the oil box.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Gross weight
114 g
Silver type
.813 silver
Specific region of origin
Wenen
Over 200 years old
No
Title additional information
Pyxis Chrisma/hostiedoos
Country of Origin
Austria
Manufacturer/ Brand
WP
Material
Gold plated, Silver
Model
Hostiedoosje / Chrismatorium
Style
Antique
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
4.5 cm
Width
5.7 cm
Depth
5.7 cm
Estimated period
1864
