Temple-shaped box, work of Gerasimos of Sinope, year 1714

The box has the characteristic shape of a pentagram temple (height 31 cm). It consists of carefully crafted perforated cast elements, the largest surface of which is decorated with scenes of the hospitality of Abraham and the enthroned Virgin Mary. These scenes are surrounded by a vine that winds, forming medallions, within which are depicted bust figures of prophets. The box was dedicated, according to an inscription on its cover, in 1714 to the Vatopedi Monastery, by a monk named Daniel. It is the work of the goldsmith Gerasimos of Sinope. Sinope was until the 19th century the main port of the Ottoman Empire in the Black Sea region and a center for the development of silversmithing.