Happenings 03
Happenings 03
Happenings 03
COLLECTIONS / Best of Museum

Lead myrrh flask (koutrouvion)

Flared, circular body with a cylindrical neck and two small suspension handles. Within medallions on the one side Saint Demetrios is depicted in bust with cloak and spear, while on the other side Saint Theodora in monastic garments. Ornamental strips with superimposed triangles and double spirals surround the medallions, while the neck bears a crisscross pattern.

For the Byzantines, koutrouvia were vessels made of clay or lead in which pilgrims carried the aromatic oil (myrrh) which they acquired from the cult centers of saints.

Code

ΒΑ 74/13

Type

Lead myrrh flask

Chronology

13th c.

Dimensions

Height 8,1 cm., width 5,5 cm.

Material of Construction

Lead

Origin

Rendina, prefecture of Thessaloniki