The ostensory (from the Latin word ostendĕre, show) in Catholic liturgy is the item used for the solemn exposure of the body of Christ (the consecrated Host) for the eucharistic adoration and benediction.The ostensory was used for the first time after the introduction of the feast of the Corpus Christi, in the mid-13th century ca. It is rare to find an ostensory which dates back to a period before the 14th century and for a well-defined shape we have to wait the late 15th century. At the beginning, for this liturgical item were used images, crosses, reliquaries and ciboria accommodated for this use. From the mid-15th century was largely adopted the shape of a small turret or an ogival temple, almost always in silver. It was full of pinnacles, supported by an artistic base with a silver or gold bezel in the middle, used to place the Host. This “architectural” shape is still used in the Ambrosian liturgy.From the 16th century (from the Council of Trent), the ostensory began having the shape that has today: a radiant sun.This stunning sterling silver ostensory is in good condition and has the hallmark used in Paris from 1732 to 1738.The case dates back to the 19th century.Dimensions:ostensory: height 50 cm, weight 780 gcase: 58 cm x 32 cm.The pictures are an integral part of the description. Shipping via express courier.Happy bidding!