A RUSSIAN ORMOLU TWENTY-FOUR LIGHT 'POLYELEOS' CHANDELIER

The form of the present chandelier derives from liturgical lighting historically hung in Eastern Catholic Churches under the central dome. The design can be traced back to the Byzantine period and examples originating in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries remain in a small number of monasteries, including the monasteries of Xeropotamou and Vatopedi on Mount Athos, Greece. Traditionally, the choros or polyeleos chandelier consists of metal chains suspending a large pierced strapwork frame, which supports symmetrically placed candles, as well as various hung nozzles and censers. Its ceremonial purpose is retained during feast days, when the candles are lit and the chandelier is swung whilst the Polyeleos psalms are read.