Reliquary/incense burner, Basilica di San Marco, VeniceThis piece, known as the Chiesola or Ecclesio
Reliquary/incense burner, Basilica di San Marco, VeniceThis piece, known as the Chiesola or Ecclesiola di San Marco (little church of San Marco), was probably originally a Byzantine incense burner which was made for secular use. It was then appropriated by the Venetians, who had plundered Byzantine for a number of decorative treasures for their Basilica. They turned it into a reliquary, probably in order to reinforce the Eastern provenance of the relic inside: the Holy Blood, which was said to have traveled from Jerusalem to Constantinople and then to Venice.How do we know the piece was originally secular? Check out the relief design under the handle:Yup. That’s a butt. -- source link
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