Antique French Marble & Cloisonné Benitier or Holy Water Font & Cross c1900

  

A beautifully made and finished Religious French Holy Water Font, or Bénitier, dating from around the late 1800's or early 1900's. The cross features a challace with Christograms and symbols of life and plenty, all in gilt metal with gloriously coloured enamelled inlay or Champlevé. There is the smallest area of damage to the stem of the challace.

The ornate lidded basin - the font or Vasque - is decorated in the same manner, and would once have been lined with plain white enamelling. The interior of the font has signs of damage to the enamel where it has had constant use. The enamelled pieces are set onto white marble or alabaster which then rests on a bed of gilt brass, slightly larger than the onyx, giving the effect of a brass frame. On the reverse, the assembly is held together by three heavy brass screws and there is a brass loop on the top fixing to allow for secure wall hanging.

Generally a piece such as this, is used in the Catholic Faith where, in the home, it is placed by the entrance doorway or beside the head of the bed. There is no doubt that it has been a very expensive and cherished item. Height 18.4cm by 11.2cm by 4.3cm. Please see my pictures for the details of the condition which complement this description.

I will pack and weigh the items together and get the best possible price that I can, sometimes weight or value might dictate that I send multiple parcels to get a better value for you.