{"product_id":"antique-gothic-church-book-rest","title":"Antique Gothic Church Book Rest","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA remarkable antique oak lectern or book stand likely Belgian or German, late 19th century, in the Gothic Revival tradition. Handcrafted from solid oak, the stand features beautifully aged wood with a rich, untouched patina developed over centuries. The sloping top is carved with the prominent IHS monogram, one of the most enduring symbols of Christianity representing the name of Jesus. Along the front rail, the carved inscription is \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eSursum Corda\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, one of the oldest liturgical phrases in Christian worship, traditionally spoken during the Eucharistic service as an invitation to elevate one’s heart and mind toward the divine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe stand’s pierced side panels and Gothic-inspired ornamentation further reinforce its historic character. Such book stands were commonly used to support large devotional texts, Bibles, hymnals, or manuscripts in churches, monasteries, and learned households throughout Europe. Today, this exceptional piece serves equally well as a cookbook stand, library lectern, display stand for treasured books, or as a striking decorative object rich with history and symbolism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistorical Significance: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe combination of the \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIHS Christogram\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and the \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e“Sursum Corda”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e inscription suggests that the stand may have originally belonged to a religious institution. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eSursum Corda\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (“Lift Up Your Hearts”) has formed part of the Christian liturgy since antiquity and remains one of the most recognizable phrases in Western worship. Its appearance on a functional object intended to hold sacred texts would have served as a constant reminder of devotion and contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Villa Leopold - European Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53849005293911,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1006\/9183\/7271\/files\/98.jpg?v=1782133740","url":"https:\/\/villa-leopold.com\/products\/antique-gothic-church-book-rest","provider":"Villa Leopold - European Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}