"Great Jerusalem" ceremonial inlaid container is a treasure offering box, 1989 (photo)

"Great Jerusalem" ceremonial inlaid container is a treasure offering box in collection of Kremlin Armoury. The inscription inside the door reads, "In the year 1486, this Jerusalem was made by order of the honorable and Christ loving Grand Prince, Ivan Vasilievich, Ruler of all Russia in the year of his reign for the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady (Uspensky) and for the tomb of the miracle worker Peter of Moscow." Outside is a copper drum clad with silver, gilded, niello, decorated the 12 Apostles, and above are the 4 Evangelists. Inside the religious, precious rare artifact is a rotating plate with depressions. Much discussion about age and function of object. The style is earlier, so, this may be a 15th century copy of some earlier work. Perhaps a container for phosphora, consecrated bread, used in Holy Communion, body of Christ. Historians agree that it is not a reliquary. Photo by Cary Sol Wolinsky