Church... Altar Piece?

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

 

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

 

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

 

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 ?

 

At that height probably like others have suggested brass alter trumpet vases used in a chapel, funeral home, etc.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/224356317/hand-crafted-antique-art-deco-alter-vase

--- Susan

 

Sure.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

Thanks Bev! Do you believe these would be used in a church or more of a chapel piece?