Church... Altar Piece?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by DanielD, Apr 26, 2015.

  1. DanielD

    DanielD Member

    Hello,

    Another little treasure I couldnt help but buy because they were unique but I cannot for the life of me figure out what they are used for so I am hoping people here can give me a few keywords to work off of. Initially I thought they were candlestick holders from a Catholic (or Orthodox) church altar however they are more "vase" like and all the church candlestick holders I've come across usually have a flat top and a pin to hold the candle in place. Are these just decorative or do they actually have a function? They are 17" H. Thanks again for all your help!

    Daniel
    Candlestick5.JPG Candlestick5c.JPG Candlestick5d.JPG Candlestick5g.JPG
     
    komokwa and yourturntoloveit like this.
  2. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    They might have held flowers or something on a home altar. I don't think they were in a church.
     
  3. DanielD

    DanielD Member

    It seems quite ornate/large for home use, maybe a funeral home?
     
  4. johnnycb09

    johnnycb09 Well-Known Member

    Maybe they were in a hospital chapel or something like that. They do seem largish for home use. They are rather gorgeous ! Can we see a pic of the inside ?
     
  5. Ladybranch

    Ladybranch Well-Known Member

  6. DanielD

    DanielD Member

  7. DanielD

    DanielD Member

    Any idea of the age? The brass doesnt have much patina so I am assuming within the last 20 years.
     
  8. Bev aka thelmasstuff

    Bev aka thelmasstuff Colored pencil artist extraordinaire ;)

    I inherited tons of medals and religious items when my Catholic ancestors all passes away. I have a nice, sterling medal with deeply molded, almost sculpted features with Jesus on one side and Mary on the other - the exact same ones shown here with the same design and text. Ecce Homo is "Behold, the Man" which is what they said when Christ was crucified. I think Mary's says Dolor which means misery or grief.
     
  9. Bev aka thelmasstuff

    Bev aka thelmasstuff Colored pencil artist extraordinaire ;)

    Do a search for "altar vases" and you'll see many pairs. This set is quite nice and you should be able to sell it for a good price.
     
  10. DanielD

    DanielD Member

    Thanks Bev! Do you believe these would be used in a church or more of a chapel piece?
     
Draft saved Draft deleted
Similar Threads: Church Altar
Forum Title Date
Antique Discussion Church? donation box Mar 14, 2025
Antique Discussion Old church stained glass window, need help with period & describing please May 29, 2024
Antique Discussion Old wooden Jesus sculpture from a small town church Oct 22, 2023
Antique Discussion Antique French Brass Church Candelabra with Opaline Flowers or Not Jan 29, 2023
Antique Discussion 4 Bells with 3 clappers in each on 1 handle - what was this for? Church? Oct 25, 2021

Share This Page