SACRED VESSEL No. 01

Gallery NO. DV - 2026 - 01

Created August 2026

The Vessel of Stillness - Greek Orthodox Handmade Stoneware

The Vessel of Stillness is a one-of-a-kind handcrafted stoneware relic bearing the words of the Jesus Prayer, one of the most treasured prayers in the Orthodox Christian tradition.

Hand carved in Greek, this Greek Orthodox handmade stoneware vessel carries the ancient invocation that has accompanied monks, pilgrims, hermits, and faithful Christians for more than a thousand years. Repeated quietly with the rhythm of the breath, the Jesus Prayer has become the heart of Orthodox contemplative life—a continual remembrance of Christ and an appeal for His mercy.

Rather than serving as mere decoration, the inscription transforms the vessel into an object of contemplation. Standing alone or displayed within a prayer corner, library, or gallery, it quietly recalls the ceaseless prayer that has echoed through monasteries from Mount Athos to the deserts of Egypt.

Its weathered fresco-inspired surface evokes fragments of ancient church walls where sacred words have endured across centuries of prayer.

The Inscription

Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με

Kýrie Iēsoû Christé, Huiè Theoû, eléēsón me

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me."

Known simply as The Jesus Prayer, these words occupy a central place within Orthodox spirituality. Through continual repetition with humility and attention, the prayer draws the heart toward repentance, stillness (hesychia), and unceasing remembrance of Christ.

Surface and Form

The vessel is finished through numerous hand-painted layers of thinned glazes, carefully built one upon another to create the appearance of weathered Byzantine frescoes and centuries-old plaster. Gentle applications of iron wash settle naturally into the carved inscription and textured surface, lending quiet warmth and archaeological character.

Its softly tapering profile recalls ancient ceramic vessels preserved in monasteries and archaeological collections. Every brushstroke, glaze variation, carved letter, and iron-washed accent is unique to this individual work.

Details

Collection: The Sacred

Form: Stoneware Vessel

Material: High-fired stoneware

Inscription: Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με

Translation: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me."

Language: Greek

Inscription Method: Hand carved

Exterior Finish: Layered fresco-inspired hand-painted glazes with iron wash

Interior Finish: Alabaster

Surface Details: Multi-layered antiqued fresco surface inspired by weathered Byzantine wall paintings with softly aged iron-washed accents

Opening Diameter: Approximately 3.5 in.

Base Diameter: Approximately 3.25 in.

Height: Approximately 5 in.

Approximate Capacity: 22–26 fl oz (650–770 mL)

Approximate Weight: 2 lb (900 g)

Approximate Packaged Shipping Weight: 4 lb

Firing: High-fired to Cone 6

Origin: DOM VECHERA

Edition: One of One

THE FOUNDER'S MARK

The earliest works of DOM VECHERA bear DS, the original maker's mark used by Olga before the establishment of the House. These works retain the mark as part of their provenance.

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