Incense Burner in the Shape of a Domed Building

Incense Burner in the Shape of a Domed Building

Although technically an incense burner, this container was used from at least 1283 to hold the relic of the Holy Blood, which had been sent to Venice from Constantinople. Although the later addition of the crosses to the domes give the reliquary the appearance of a church, it was not originally meant to represent one. It is decorated with numerous figures, scenes, and vegetal motifs. It was most likely originally used in a secular setting, as an incense burner, and was only given its religious usage and connotations after it was repurposed as a reliquary.

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