The scenes from the life of Christ that decorate
this bronze censer are cast in high relief. The
flaring base is engraved with floral patterns, the
bottom has an elaborate cross, and the neck is
engraved with a vine scroll pattern. There are six
projections from the rim; three are small
rounded knobs while the other three are larger
and pierced for suspension chains that are still
intact, although they have been reconnected.
These chains are composed of openwork
elements, three rectangular, one circular, and
another two rectangular. Above is a stellar
ornament which is connected to an elaborate
hook surmounted by a bird. The scenes around
the body include the Annunciation, with Mary
and the angel; the Nativity, with the Christ Child
in a high manger; the Baptism, with John the
Baptist; the Crucifixion, with two kneeling figures
below the crossbar; and the Women at the
Sepulcher, with the tomb flanked by an angel
and one of the Marys. We can imagine a
Byzantine high priest walking down the central
isle of a nave, swinging this magnificent censer
in his hand, the smoke from the burning incense
billowing forth, filling the air with sweet
fragrance. Considering the opulent luxury of this
work, we can safely assume that it played a
central role in Byzantine religious ceremonies.
Surely it would not seem out of place even in the
Hagia Sofia.
- (X.0028)
|
