Handled Censer with an open-work lid in the shape of a church

The censer bears a handle with a metal plaque on it with a representation of Saint John the Theologian, as it was donated to his church. The representation of the Theologian is an obvious attempt at ensuring the safety of the dedicator and an evidence of the piety felt towards its recipient. The lid has degenerated domes towards the bottom, with an open-work, fluted surface above them, a decorative style characteristic of Smyrna oil-lamps. Based on its decorative motifs, the censer is attributed to the 18th century and is considered closely related to or constructed in Smyrna. It was donated to the Monastery by the monk Iakovos Anastasiou.