Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Funerary Objet d'Art - Christ the King

This post is participating in the ABC Wednesday meme.


This is the memorial stone for Jeremiah Kiley, his two year old daughter, Margaret, and his mother, Norah. It is located in Rookwood Necropolis, which is its own suburb in Sydney, New South Wales. Jeremiah was born in Caldaly, County Limerick, Ireland. He died in the suburb of Glebe on 28th December 1888, aged 45 years.



Isn't the crown fabulous? It has a large stone placed within, to ward off damaging blows. Look at the pleated 'silk' as the background. So sumptuous. There are two things here to note in way of symbolism: the crown; and the pointing finger. I have read so many variations upon the significance of the crown, but think they all point toward an individual's acknowledgement that Christ is the paramount ruler, that he is King and the individual accepts Him as 'ruler'. The hand with the single finger pointing upwards symbolises the individuals ascension into heaven. I will always be on the lookout for a hand with a single finger pointing downwards.


13 comments:

SeaThreePeeO said...

That is one very gorgeous stone.

I have seen hands with a finger pointing downwards, but it is supposed to represent the hand of God reaching down for the deceased soul.

GreensboroDailyPhoto said...


Hey, Julie. So happy to be "parked" next to you! Very interesting read. Great K!

diane b said...

Interesting symbolism. I wonder why it is thought that heaven is up and hell is down.

EG CameraGirl said...

Oh, yes! Beware the finger pointing downward. :)

CaT said...

hahahahahaha. im also looking for the downwards pointing finger.
i guess we wont find it.... perhaps on a toppled stone?!

Roger Owen Green said...

The crown IS fabulous. But I was more taken with a necropolis and suburbs, which bemused me.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Shooting Parrots said...

A fantastic piece of funerary!

Chubskulit Rose said...

Beautiful details!


Kanawha River
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team.

Ann said...

That is an exqusite crown!!
Ann

Unknown said...

That is an incredibly detailed and intricate carving! Nice work highlighting the details.

I was going to join in on Taphophile Tragics this week but wasn't organized enough - still in the back to school crunch/adjustment period.

hamilton said...

That cross and crown is incredibly beautiful. And noticing the stone inside to protect agains blows - brilliant!

Wibbo said...

That's a splendid crown - lovely decorative details.

Julie said...

Thanks, folks. I am glad your responded to the beauty in a similar way to yours truly.

Ali, you are most welcome, when your stars are aligned ...