Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 29.djvu/349

 THE ROYAL AllCHiEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE. ;293 fifjliires of this type liavc a <iirdlc hanging clown to the lower edge of the skirt or a])ron, and of diifercnt colour ; — Xmncrous Monstrances of copper or mixed yellow metal, for enclosing relics and the like, all of lOth ccntuiy, strongly gilt, the foot, in four instances, is sixfoiled, in others round ; three arc cylindrical (raised on a foot or stem, like that of a chalice) ; they appear as if intended to enclose a bone, or some ohjcct of rather lengthened form, that may have been contained in a cylinder of crystal or glass, and surrounded by the metal work, which is open, with arches or otlier pierced work, so that the relic enclosed might be seen ; a little hinged door at the end of the cylinder of metal was adapted for insertion of the relic, within its transparent receptacle : the door in (jucstion bore the sacred monogram iihs, or some other sacred ornament engraved ipon it ; the whole was surmounted by a finial, or spire, or some such ornament, but these are now lost. Three are of different fashion ; the stem supported a little shrine or oblong ornament, like a small chapel with angle-buttresses, gabled roofs, itc, the sides being pierced with small arches. One has an elegantly formed hexagonal (I) structure, placed upon the stem and pierced with arches on each of its sides ; it probably bore a i)yramidal cover or'spire, l)ut those elegantly designed por- tions arc lost or imperfect. All appear to be of l-3th centur}' work, except one which may be circa ooQ : this had a glass or " beiyl" inserted on one of its sides, probably to cover a relic, and be kissed by the faithful. The forms of these objects are much varied and of interest, although of comparatively late character, and all are sadly imperfect. There is a monstrance, or transparent Pyx, in which the Holy Sacrament was borne in processions, or exposed on the altar ; it is of mixed metal strongly gilt ; the steni is tall, ornamented Avith a knop enriched with enamels, alternately red and black : on this stem there is a circular flamboyant or radiated frame, within which has been a crystal receptacle for the sacra- mental water (Compare Pugin, p. IGi), No. o). There are also several ciboria, in shape of covered cups; they were used for the reservation of the Eucharist, and resemble in several respects the chalice, with the exception that they have covers, of semi-globiilar shape, which were surmounted by little spires, probably terminating in small crosses, now lost. All are about the 15th century in date. One has an inscription around the cover which cannot be explained. ^ yntrr II bci(?) in good lettering; — A brass globular box, on a low stem, the upper moiety ornamented with pierced work of elegant IGth century design, it opens with a hinge, and was closed by a catch. It was lined with lead (?) and is a J'ominc Chavfentfc, for warming the hands during the long services of the church. The heat was produced by a ball of heated metal, or other substance enclosed within." — A good Pyx of gilt metal, with a conical cover ; on this cover, and also on the box, there are escutcheons, barry, argent and azure; probably Limo^^cs work, 12th centuiy ; — A flat I'yx of gilt metal, convex cover, the box concave within, possibly for chrism (?) ; a little opening on one edge may have been for a spoon (?) ; — A gilt metal Pyx, with low conical lid, surmounted by an orb and little cross ; — A diminutive octagonal lamp, with four spouts or nozzles, — some ornament was appended at the bottom ; this is a cimous ^ See Arcli. Jouni., xxii., p. ('>[>, for the account of a silvor globular calefactory, exhibited by the late Canon Rock. VOL. .X1X. H 3