Tuesday 30 June 2009

"Flavigny" Conical Chasuble

For a deacon who was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the Saint Bede Studio was commissioned to prepare a chasuble according to the ancient "conical" form.

This chasuble was made from a silk damask of crimson red and ornamented with a brocade in burgundy and gold, outlined with a braid in gold. The lining is of olive green.

For readers who may be unfamiliar with this style, its shape is very similar to that of a bell. Consequently, in order for the wearer to use his arms, the conical chasuble must be pulled up at the sides and allowed to rest in the small of the arms. When this happens, the vestment folds upward from the bottom in a manner quite distinctive. Mediaeval illustrations regularly shew vestments with precisely these folds. A conical chasuble is not for celebrants who like to wave their arms around a lot, but it is quite manageable if the arms always remain extended or joined. Unlike the more commonly-found chasubles, the conical chasuble must be tailored to the shape of the wearer's shoulders, otherwise it fits very ill.

Click on the image for an enlarged view.

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