ALTAR CLOTH (VOZDUKH)

Currently in storage

About this object

In the Russian Orthodox Church, altar cloths cover chalices and dishes used for Holy Communion. Covering these vessels emphasizes the sacredness of the consecrated Eucharistic gifts of wine and bread. This altar cloth is placed over smaller altar cloths during parts of the liturgy. When the creed is sung, the priest gently lifts this cloth up and down as a symbol of the grace-giving action of the Holy Spirit.

Wide border in gold and silver embroidery of oak leaves and acorns, leaf scrolls with latticework, in the center a gold cross edged with gold fringe. Edged with gold fringe. Lined with rose silk.

Object name:: ALTAR CLOTH (VOZDUKH)
Made from:: Velvet -- embroidery
Made in:: Russia
Date made:: ca. 1800
Size:: 52.7 x 71.1 cm (20 3/4 x 28 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:: 43.39
Class:: NEEDLEWORK
Signature marks:: INSCRIPTIONS numbers in ink: 1528 N3 c/12145, zR YIIOKON, OIIIPOKA CEPZIR
Credit line:: Gift of Dina Merrill Robertson, 1977