Reliquaries: Vessels for sacred objects that stir the faithful

This elaborate 19th century French Gothic bronze reliquary sold for $800 plus the buyer’s premium in 2012 at Jackson’s International Auctioneers.

This elaborate 19th century French Gothic bronze reliquary sold for $800 plus the buyer’s premium in 2016 at Jackson’s International Auctioneers.

NEW YORK – When holy persons depart for their heavenly reward, the grieving faithful feel compelled to retain what they left behind. Clothes, tools, and other personal effects, as well as body parts, were placed in opulent caskets, boxes, and other glorified displays to keep the memory of the saint alive. Objects designed to hold sacred objects go by many names, but they are often called reliquaries in recognition of the relics they contain.

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