Chrismatory

This trefoil-shaped chrismatory (from the Greek word ‘khrisma’, meaning 'anoint') originally held three flasks for special oils that had been blessed by the bishop. Different oils were used for baptisms, new converts and the sick, and identifying letters were stamped on the vessel to help the priest select the right oil for the right purpose. When inventories of church ornaments, furnishings and plate were compiled during the reign of Edward VI, almost half of the London churches had chrismatories of silver. Some were exceptionally grand and the vessel belonging to St Peter Cornhill was decorated with the four evangelists.