DAMASCENE TEMPLAR CROSS PYXES8540MARTO of SPAIN This Damascene Templar Cross Pyxes from Marto is made in Toledo Spain using 24kt yellow gold in the artwork design. The Artwork on each piece is meticulously handmade and designed by damascene artisans, therefore the artwork design of each piece is unique. These patterns are obtained by engraving deep, patterned cuts into steel and then placing a gold foil into the lines of the design. This foil is hammered until the gold (18/greenish and 24/yellow carat) penetrates into the cuts, forming the design. Each piece is treated with a bluing solution to obtain oxidation and a black background is created. The back of this Damascene pyxes box is finished with gold metal. In the center of the pyxes outer surface lid design is a large Templar Cross Pattée surrounded by the ancient inscription known as the Vichiers Seal: SIGILLUM MILITUM XPISTI roughly translated "Seal of the Soldiers of Christ". This beautiful Damascene Templar Cross Pyxes measures approximately 1-1/2 inches in diameter and 5/8 inches deep, hinged with button clasp and locking mechanism, and features a soft lined interior.
• Material: 24 kt Gold Damascene on Steel
• Diameter: 1.5 inches
• Depth: 5/8 inches
• Weight: 0.12 lbs MARTO GUARANTEES that their Damascene work is manufactured in TOLEDO with Yellow GOLD of 24 kts. and Green GOLD of 18 kts. with a minimum incrusted thickness of 4 microns. (D.O.C.M. 2.7.87)
Pyxes were used by Knights Templar to carry and store the Eucharist for use in the field. They used pyxes to repose the consecrated host in the tabernacle, carry the Blessed Sacrament to the sick or homebound.
Damascene "Damasquinado de Oro or "Damasquino" is the art of decorating non-precious metals with gold. It has roots in the Middle Ages and originates from the oriental-style artisan work done in Damascus, Syria. The craft, perfected by the Arabs and brought with them to Spain, has remained virtually unchanged over the centuries. Toledo is the world's largest center of production of Damascene. The city of Toledo is one of the richest historically and culturally endowed cities in all of Spain. Please click here to view more details of the Damascene Process.