Paten case: M.33 & A-1929

Current Location: In storage

Maker(s)

Entities

Description

Circular, boiled leather box for holding a paten, stamped 'IHS'

Boiled, stamped and engraved leather (cuir bouilli) covering carved wood, lined with paper. Circular with flat pull-off lid (A). The centre of the top of the lid is stamped with the Sacred Monogram 'IHS' within a sunburst, surrounded by borders of scrolling foliage and diaperwork. There are two loops on the side of the lid and part of a strap underneath, which may have attached to a drum-shaped case to hold a communion cup. The interior of the base is shaped to hold the paten. The (later?) paste paper lining is wood block printed with cream coloured flowers and leaves against a faded olive green background, which shows signs of originally having been a mid blue.

Notes

History note: Not known before donor

Legal notes

Given by W.E Miller

Measurements and weight

Diameter: 20.0 cm
Height: 5.0 cm

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (1929-10-31) by Miller, W. E.

Dating

17th Century#
1600 CE - 1700 CE

Components of the work

Lining composed of paper
Surface composed of leather

Materials used in production

Wood

Techniques used in production

Cuir bouilli : There is much conjecture on how 'boiled leather' or 'cuir bouilli' was made and whether the leather was boiled in water. The most popular theory is the one suggested in 'La Grande Encyclopedie (Paris 1887-1905) in which: 'pieces of leather must be boiled in wax mixed with resin and glue. Once boiled in this manner, the leather preserves, whilst it is moist, sufficient pliability to enable it to be moulded, and when it is dry it possess a hardness and rigidity nearly equal to that of wood to which it is preferable by reason of its lightness.' The stamped and engraved decoration would have been added before the leather was dried.

Inscription or legends present

Text: IHS
Location: On the centre of the lid
Method of creation: Stamped
Type: Monogram

Text: 7475 / 2527 / EYY
Location: On the inside of the lid
Method of creation: Printed and written in black ink, and stuck with glue
Type: Paper label

Text: Circular box for holding a Paten / There has probably been a drum attached / beneath to hold the cup. M.33-1929
Location: Loose inside the box
Method of creation: Rectangular card, written in black ink
Type: Paper label