Artophorion (fragmented)

The artophorion is made of silver-toned metal. It takes the form of a two-tiered monumental church with a dome. It is set on shaped feet (three of four are lost). At the corners of the lower tier of the artophorion are attached two cast figures of Evangelists, one of whom, Matthew, holds an open Gospel. The base of the lower tier is rectangular, decorated around its perimeter with a leaf ornament. The lower tier is adorned with three enameled oval medallions, depicting the following scenes: "The Last Supper," "Christ in Prison," and "Christ Carrying the Cross." All the medallions are bordered by shaped metal cartouches and a dotted ornament. On one of the side faces of the lower tier were doors on a hinged mount (now lost). The base of the upper tier is decorated around its perimeter with palm leaves; two figures of angels are attached to its corners, holding on long staffs images of the Icon Not Made by Hands. On the front wall of the upper tier, within an oval enamel medallion bordered by ribbons, is an image of the Mother of God (now lost). At the top, within a round enamel medallion, is an image of the All-Seeing Eye within a triangular halo on a yellow ground. On the back wall of the second tier are doors on a hinged mount, on which, at the top, is a relief image of the All-Seeing Eye within a triangular halo amid clouds, below which is a cross. At the center is an eight-pointed cross, flanked by the instruments of the Passion — a spear and a reed with a sponge — sprouting as if from grass. Beneath the cross is a symbolic depiction of the head of Adam in the form of a skull and crossed bones. The upper tier is crowned by a shaped, pierced dome in the form of scales. On the base of the artophorion is an ink inscription (in Russian): "[Ihnativka / Bardina district]."

The artophorion belonged to the pre-war collection of the Sloboda Ukraine Museum named after H. S. Skovoroda. During the Second World War it was evacuated and returned to Kharkiv in November 1944.

Note: the artophorion is a sacred vessel used in Christian churches to store the Holy Gifts (the Body and Blood of Christ) intended for the communion of the faithful. It is the most sacred object in the church and is usually placed on the altar table in the sanctuary. The artophorion is made in the form of a small church, chapel, or domed tower, inside which is a box for the Holy Gifts.