The similar embroidered scenes on this cuff and on #10.168.1 show Christ standing at an altar as he administers the bread and wine of Communion to the assembled Apostles. Priests or bishops wore such epimanika when distributing Communion, thus imitating Christ's actions. The cuff now lacks its border, which likely contained inscriptions relating to the imagery.
Credit: Rogers Fund, 1910
16th century
Silk and metal thread embroidery on a foundation of silk satin and cotton plain weave
17.1in
10.168.2
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection