France, c. 1940 to 1965
There was a time when nearly every Catholic home held a small vessel of holy water beside its door. Before stepping out into the world, and again upon returning home, a hand would pause, touch the blessed water, and quietly trace the sign of the cross. Ordinary thresholds became places of blessing.
This mid twentieth century French bénitier preserves that gentle tradition. Its dark ebonized wooden backplate is shaped like a small Gothic shrine, crowned with a simple cross and fitted with its original hanging cord. At its center, a warm bronze toned relief depicts the crowned Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, while beneath rests a beautifully molded white porcelain shell, the ancient Christian symbol of baptism, pilgrimage, and spiritual rebirth.
The wood bears the honest marks of age, evidence of decades spent hanging quietly within a family home. Rather than diminishing its beauty, this soft wear lends the piece a sense of authenticity and devotion, reminding us that sacred objects are often at their most beautiful after years of faithful use.
Whether displayed as part of a collection of devotional art or returned to its original purpose as a home holy water font, this little shrine offers a quiet invitation to restore moments of prayer to the rhythm of daily life.
Important Note
All sales are final, each piece is one-of-a-kind
Please note the shipping, pick-up and in-Paris delivery options at check-out
France, c. 1940 to 1965
There was a time when nearly every Catholic home held a small vessel of holy water beside its door. Before stepping out into the world, and again upon returning home, a hand would pause, touch the blessed water, and quietly trace the sign of the cross. Ordinary thresholds became places of blessing.
This mid twentieth century French bénitier preserves that gentle tradition. Its dark ebonized wooden backplate is shaped like a small Gothic shrine, crowned with a simple cross and fitted with its original hanging cord. At its center, a warm bronze toned relief depicts the crowned Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, while beneath rests a beautifully molded white porcelain shell, the ancient Christian symbol of baptism, pilgrimage, and spiritual rebirth.
The wood bears the honest marks of age, evidence of decades spent hanging quietly within a family home. Rather than diminishing its beauty, this soft wear lends the piece a sense of authenticity and devotion, reminding us that sacred objects are often at their most beautiful after years of faithful use.
Whether displayed as part of a collection of devotional art or returned to its original purpose as a home holy water font, this little shrine offers a quiet invitation to restore moments of prayer to the rhythm of daily life.
Important Note
All sales are final, each piece is one-of-a-kind
Please note the shipping, pick-up and in-Paris delivery options at check-out
