Chrismatory

Chrismatory, late 15th century, (1881). Etching of a container designed to hold chrism, (from the Greek word for 'anoint'), the holy oil used in the Christian sacraments of confirmation, baptism and ordination. The trefoil shape corresponds to the three separate compartments. Made in Germany and dated 1499, it is silver with parcel-gilt (partial gilt). From "The South Kensington Museum", a book of engraved illustrations, with descriptions, of the works of art in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (formerly known as the South Kensington Museum). [Sampson Low, Marston, Searle and Rivington, London, 1881]. Artist S Thomas. (Photo by The Print Collector via Getty Images)