1450 / 1500, Italy

1450 / 1500, Italy

Identifier
8327-1863
Collection
Technique
Depiction
Dimension
27 cm (width)
Production time
Production place
Type of object

Description

This decorated box was used to hold the corporal. This is the linen cloth used by the priest with the chalice and paten during the celebration of Christian mass. The velvet was made during the period 1400-1500, but the box may have been constructed later using a piece of velvet which had come from another source. High-quality textiles were often donated to the church to be made into vestments and ecclesiastical furnishings. It was an acceptable way of recycling expensive fabrics with patterns that were no longer fashionable. Lid and sides covered in silk velvet; base covered in blue linen. Silk fringe in blocks of blue, red and yellow, on a heading in chevron design in silver thread. Lined with plain cream linen. There is a painted vellum panel set into the lid, with border of flowers but blank centre; edge in pink and silver braid. Corporal case, the lid and sides covered in silk velvet.