Florentine goldsmith, Aspergillum
- Date
- 16th cent.
- Collocation
- Sala delle cantorie
- Original location
- Cathedral
- Material
- Silver, gold, crystal
- Technique
- Carving, casting, embossing, chasing, gilding, spinning
- Dimensions
- Length: 56 cm; Diameter: 9 cm;
Aspergillum in embossed silver, created by Florentine masters in the 16th century. An aspergillum is a liturgical implement used in the Catholic rite to sprinkle holy water over the altar, the clergy and the congregation as a sign of purification. It has a handle with a sponge or brush on the end to absorb the holy water. An aspergillum is always used with an aspersorium, or situla, which contains the holy water.
