THIS ITEM HAS SOLD** Antique Religious Lyon Silk Damask Chasuble

**This item has SOLD**  The brilliant crimson damask of this chasuble is richly ornamented with gold silk flowers and fine gold brocade trim. It originates from a small French religious collection. It is a fiddleback chasuble which dates towards 1840.

The liturgical vestments worn at Mass have evolved over time. Nevertheless, since the earliest days of the Church, liturgical vestments have been worn by priests for the celebration of the Mass. Derived from the Latin word casula meaning “house,” the chasuble in the Graeco-Roman world was like a cape that completely covered the body and protected the person from inclement weather. Spiritually, the chasuble reminds the priest of the charity of Christ: “Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect” (Colossians, 3:14). The former vesting prayer was “O Lord, Who hast said, ‘My yoke is sweet and My burden light,’ grant that I may so carry it as to merit Thy grace.”

The cross which is sewn into the center of the back panel is outlined with 1" wide silk brocade ribbon. The darker crimson fabric cross is embellished with repeating fleur de lis flowers, scrolls and leaves has a rosette shaped medallion at the center. The Christogram IHS is of gold silk thread. The backing to the chasuble is of beautiful old linen fabric. It measures: (back panel) 40 1/2" x 15"; (front panel) 31" x 23 1/2".

It is in good antique condition: darkening to edges and backing from use and age. Some fraying on back panel (horizontal mid center). It could be cleaned to brighten fabric, we chose guard it's historical patina.