Pyx. Copper and Enamel, Limoges, France, 13th Century

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Pyx. Copper and Enamel, Limoges, France, 13th Century

About the Item

Píxide formed by a cylindrical box with conical cover, topped by a Latin cross. It is decorated with Christian anagrams, framed in circular cartouches located in the container and on the lid. These posters alternate with intertwining patterns on a cobalt blue background, elements of Islamic influence typical of Limoges. The lid appears hinged by a rear hinge, and in front has a latch lock. The pyx or hostiary is the vessel destined to keep the Sacred Form. It is a typological novelty that emerged at the end of the Romanesque period in Limoges, the center that produces glazed silver pieces. It has its origin in the Greek pyx, small box with lid that used to be used to store jewelry or beauty products. The first hostiaries took the form of a cylindrical box with a conical lid, articulated by a hinge or joined by a chain. Already in these early examples of Limoges it was frequent to end in cross, although it is rare that it has been preserved. During the Gothic period this same structure will be maintained, although it may already appear with a lock and hinge or without them. Also, in the Gothic the hostiario reduces its size, which indicates a change in its function. It is no longer used during the Mass, since that function is covered by the ciborium, but it is used to give communion in their homes to the sick. The cross of auction continues, already essential for all the eucharistic pieces. The workshop of Limoges appears in the last quarter of the 12th century, and extends its activity until the 14th century. In the 15th century it will flourish again, already with the new painted enamel technique. It will be the most important enamel workshop, above the Rhine and Meuse, which disappeared in the 12th century and were dedicated to the production of loose plates by order, which were then mounted on an object or joined together forming altar fronts. On the contrary, in Limoges a production of objects is started up, not only plaques, decorated with enamels especially for the religious sphere, but also for the profane. They are cheaper pieces, with copper base, and very showy by the enameled decoration, reason why they enjoyed an enormous and immediate success in all Europe. Limoges is also mentioned in the documents, which indicates that it was a transcendent center and known throughout Western Europe. One of the distinguishing characteristics of Limoges will be its bottom drag, very superficial, which does not go beyond two or three millimeters. To represent details we use a partition that is so fine that it can only be distinguished from the excavated one by means of a meticulous observation through a magnifying lens. Taking into account what has been done in the Rhineland and the Meuse, in Limoges own, unmistakable features are introduced, and in fact the glazes will be applied according to the client's taste, filling only the background, only the figures or both. Regarding the chromatic range, it uses that of the workshops of the Meuse, very varied, but adding new colors, such as olive green, a light blue gray or white for carnations. In the long history of these workshops, one of its main successes was precisely the not only make plates, but also complete pieces. Size: 7.5 x 7.5 x 13 cms.

Dimensions:
Height: 5.12 in (13 cm)Width: 3.15 in (8 cm)Depth: 3.15 in (8 cm)
Style:
Medieval (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Copper,Enamel
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
13th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
Seller Location:
Madrid, ES
Reference Number:
Seller: Z36201stDibs: LU295139686903