Five-branched candlestick

Stylized dragons support the candle sockets of this five-branched candlestick of cast bronze. There are decorative birds on the feet which, on the original work, were soldered onto a disk. This type of Byzantine candlestick was in production from the 6th-11th centuries. The disk carries a later dedicatory inscription dated to 1783, giving the information that this object comes from the Greek church of Tokati in Asia Minor. The birds and monsters on objects used for illuminating churches are interpreted as protecting the sources of light.