Collection of Four Christian Reliquary Pendant Jewels (1700 to 1900 Germany, Italy, Spain )

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Silver, Boxwood, Vellum, M.O.P and steel

Provenance: Ex English Private collection
See: Finch & Co catalogue no. 11, item no. 77, for another reliquary pendant

When the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great officially recognised the Christian religion in the 4th century AD the demand for amuletic images and motifs with a specifically Christian message grew steadily. New shapes and types of jewellery were devised to satisfy the market for a Christian form of amulet to be worn and used for protection against sickness, plague, pestilence and ill fortune.

A Collection of Four Christian Reliquary Pendant Jewels
Each made to be suspended from a chain and decorated on both sides

A. A south German steel cased reliquary containing a three dimensional box wood figure carving of St Anthony of Padua, the reverse containing a relic with an embroidered gold thread surround
Early 18th Century
Size: 7cm high, 3.5cm wide, 2.5cm deep – 2¾ ins high, 1½ ins wide, 1 ins deep
SOLD

B. A south German silver cased double-sided reliquary pendant containing the finely carved and painted box wood images of St Anthony of Padua and of St Stephen
Early 19th Century
Size: 5.5cm high, 5cm wide (max) – 2¼ ins high, 2 ins wide (max)

C. A Spanish silver cased double sided pendant reliquary with painted panels depicting the crowned Virgin and the head of Christ the Redeemer as imprinted onto St Veronica’s shroud
Early 18th Century
Size: 5cm high, 4.5cm wide – 2 ins high, 1¾ ins wide
SOLD

D. An Italian silver cased double-sided pendant jewel finely painted on Mother of Pearl with images of St John and the Christ Child and to the reverse the Virgin and Child in splendour
Mid 18th Century
Size: 5cm high, 4.5cm wide – 2 ins high, 1¾ ins wide