Photos

• 

• 

What looks like a common book of hours from the outside turns out to be a sophisticated storage container for a Catholic priest's travel equipment when the book cover is opened: the wooden box hidden in the book cover contains silver jars with oils and a communion plate made of the same material. This rare piece, which probably dates from the end of the 18th century, was donated to the Bible Museum last year and is now one of the highlights of the museum's Easter exhibition, which opens on 17 March.

The exhibition, which runs until 19 April, has the overarching theme of ‘Resurrection’. The travel case, known as a “chrismatorium”, fits in perfectly, explains museum curator Dr Jan Graefe: ‘One of the oils was used for the anointing of the sick before death, while the communion plate commemorates Jesus' Last Supper.’ It was normal for a priest to carry these items with him, but it is unusual that a used book of hours was used for the cover.

Why this happened will probably remain a mystery forever. What is certain, however, is that the former owner must have been wealthy. The chest in which the silver containers are perfectly fitted is gilded. The two missals (Latin: ‘Missale’) that were transferred to the Bible Museum together with the chrismatory are also magnificent volumes that must have been worth a considerable amount even at the time of their printing around 1830. 

Like the chrismatory, they will be on public display during the Easter exhibition from 17 March to 19 April. The Bible Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on 10 April. There is an open guided tour every Sunday at 3 p.m., for which no registration is required. The museum is closed over Easter from 3 April (Good Friday) to 6 April (Easter Monday).