Piece from the Treasure of the Monastery of Sion, 6th century. Found at Korydalla, near Kumluca. Part of the treasure has been stolen and was smuggled out of the country, some is still in the Byzantine Research Institute in Dumbarton Oaks, Washington. The monastery was in Myra. The treasure consisted of liturgical objects like censer, oil lamps, the cover of a bible and such.
This is a thurible (= a metal censer suspended from chains, in which incense is burned during worship services).
Adorned with scenes from the New Testament.
Silver-gilt with niello, 17 cm diameter, 10 cm height.
(Niello is a black mixture of copper, silver, and lead sulphides, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal).
Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: ‘Antalya Museum’ (Book from the ‘Kültür Bakanlığı’/Ministry of Culture).
With an inscription in niello technique reading:
"To Virgin Mary, Mother of God, from Euthycianus, most humble Bishop". This censer is marked with five
Byzantine control stamps.