18th-century tabernacle communion cabinet - giltwood & stars

Dating from the eighteenth century, a remarkable and rare tabernacle or communion cabinet. The tabernacle features a richly sculpted wood body with its original gilt patina where traces of the red undercoat are showing through. The door opens to reveal a cavern where communion items would have been stored. The inside is painted with gilt stars scattered across the blue-painted sky. Most likely from a church in Burgundy.

The piece features its original lock but no key. The key is not needed to open the piece. Please note the chips to wood on top and wormwood marks which are normal conditions for the piece's age.