Unknown Religious Items

Antique English Victorian Brass Desk Bell, Circa 1880's.

For the collectors of unique and remarkable works of religious art. About ten years ago I was fortunate enough to have been invited to Italy for a week. In that week we visited the St. Francis Basilica in Assisi, the place where the world famous Saint Francis was born and where he is buried. For these unique sculptures to have found their way to us, again felt like a blessing. These amazing workmanship and aesthetically pleasing saint statues, we feel, were not created for one person alone, they were made to be seen and appreciated by a larger community. Those who know about Saint Francis will probably know about Saint Clare...

God's Lamp/Church Chandelier brass early 20th century Sanctuary lamp Art Nouveau style Beautiful authentic brass Church chandelier/God's lam...

A stunning pair of very fine quality French Neo-Gothic gilt metal church reliquaries. circa 1860s Most impressive objets d’art, born in France in the second half of the 19th century, most likely Parisian gilded bronze and brass ormolu work, exceptionally executed sculptural form, the exquisitely detailed architectural cathedral shaped case having a removable pointed steeple roof with cross finial, opening to relic display case surrounded on all sides by original glazed glass panes, stepped base, rising on disc feet. Signed, stamped by maker / bronzier "BC" (unknown) model "5096" and other faint marks to lid interiors. Additional photos available upon request Dimensions: (approx) 14.75" High, 6.75" Wide, 6.75" Deep; 13.25 lbs total History: A reliquary (also referred to as a shrine, by the French term châsse or monstrance) is a container for important religious relics. The earliest reliquaries were essentially boxes, either simply box-shaped or based on an architectural design, taking the form of a model of a church with a pitched roof. These latter are known by the French term chasse, and typical examples from the 12th to 14th century have wooden frameworks with gilt-copper plaques nailed on, decorated in champlevé enamel. Limoges was the largest production centre; NB the English usage differs from that of the French châsse, which denotes large size rather than shape. Relics of the True Cross became very popular from the 9th century onward and were housed in magnificent gold and silver cross-shaped reliquaries decorated with enamels and precious stones. From about the end of the 10th century, reliquaries in the shape of the relics they housed also became popular; hence, for instance, the skull of Pope Alexander I was housed in a head-shaped reliquary. Similarly, the bones of saints were often housed in reliquaries that recalled the shape of the original body part, such as an arm or a foot. A philatory is a transparent reliquary designed to contain and exhibit the bones and relics of saints. This style of reliquary has a viewing portal to view the relic inside. The feretrum was a medieval form of reliquary or shrine containing the sacred effigies and relics of a saint. During the later Middle Ages, the monstrance form, primarily used for consecrated hosts, was sometimes used for reliquaries. These housed the relic in a rock crystal, or glass capsule mounted on a column above a base, enabling the relic to be displayed to the faithful. Reliquaries in the form of large pieces of metalwork jewellery also appeared around this time, housing tiny relics such as pieces of the Holy Thorn, notably the Holy Thorn Reliquary now in the British Museum. Condition: Superb museum quality examples, in excellent original unrestored antique condition with beautifully aged patina. Wear consistent with age and use. Heavily patinated - scattered oxidation. Overall wonderful examples. Typically reliquaries were not sold in pairs, so to find a matching pair such as this is exceptionally rare. Worldwide shipping available Local pickup available near Dallas, Texas Additional: We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques love religious antiques, from Christian tabernacles, Catholic altarpiece, life-size Buddhist temple sculptures, Hindu votive offerings, 16th century Islamic mosque architectural salvaged windows...

An impressively large and well detailed French late 19th century architectural model of a Gothic inspired transept-spire or church pinnacle. This Neo Gothic decorative finial is han...

Antique Gothic Revival harp by Erard French, circa 1840 Measures: Height 178cm, width 54cm, depth 91cm Of typical form by the famed instrum...

18th century spanish polychromed tabernacle, niche for the display of Santos. Original finish in somber tones of ochre and siena.

Weight of the 18th century. Bronze. Bronze weight, incomplete, with the container glass and two of the smallest, all decorated in cold with incised and...

This antique cherub figure was crafted in Italy, circa 1780. The hand-painted putti carving features its original polychrome and gold leaf finish for a luxurious result. The hand carved cherub is expressive in it's movement and features a wonderful facial expression. The colorful wall hanging...

A beautiful 19th century hand carved and painted partial git live edge wooden triptych retable church altarpiece, depicting "The Bible Parable of the Prodigal Son". The European antique, believed to be Spanish in origin, comprised of three gothic cathedral architectural steeple shaped brilliant gold gilded solid wood panels affixed with brass hinges, opening to reveal a trio of rich polychrome decorated religious folk art works. A most impressive display of Catholic Saint / Santos figures, one on horse, the other on donkey, red and yellow coat of arms shield with lion rampant crest insiginia, having later wall hanging wire hardware mounted on the center back painting, allowing for easy hanging, or freestanding to conveniently display the work on a console table, desk, or shelf. With beautiful, bright, rich coloring, warm hues, and distinctive rustic wood grain patterns on both sides, this remarkable example makes for a truly special, thoughtful one-of-a-kind gift, Communion, birthday or holiday. Highly decorative, exceptionally executed design, and unique sculptural silhouette add a touch of sophisticated artistic elegance and cozy relaxed warmth as antique decor,.or as a lovely addition to your home altar, prayer room or devotional shrine, while the folding form is the ideal size for use as a portable / traveling religous icon. Nicely aged patina over the whole., with age appropriate wear, light organically distressed finish, weathered, chippy paint loss, and striking craquelure only adds to the overall antique character and authenticity , historical depth, and European old world charm. Dimensions: (approx) Fully extended: 13.5" H x 17.25" W x 1.5" D Closed: 13.5" H, 3.5" D Provenance : A fine private Raleigh, NC estate. We love decorating with religious antiques, and currently have a large collection available for sale, including various 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th century folk art, liturgical altar stick candlesticks, rare relics, altars altar tables, processional pole...

Carved and gilded frame with painting on vellum, "Virgin of the Rosary with Santo Domingo de Guzmán and Santa Catalina of Siena", 17th century. Registration in the back zone (Mr. Jos...

A monumental antique Victorian Gothic Revival carved oak church altar / synagogue lectern / book stand podium. Hand-crafted in the 19th century, having a sloped book-rest to the top...