Metalwork from the Middle Byzantine period includes several bronze reliquary crosses (for fragments of wood from the Holy Cross or saintly relics) with engraved or embossed representations of holy figures, some bronze miniature icons with relief figures of saints, and the rare decorated bronze doors in the monasteries of the Great Lavra and Vatopedi on Mount Athos.
A special category of metal objects are the lead flasks for myrrh (aromatic oil) from the tombs of Saint Demetrios and Saint Theodora in Thessalonike. Represented on both sides of the flasks, which were given as talismans to pilgrims and soldiers, are pairs of saints (e.g. Demetrios and Theodora). The lead seals with which their owners ratified the authenticity of their documents, are precious historical sources.
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