2 Roman Bronze Attachments + 16th C. Russian Reliquary

**Originally Listed At $300**

Roman, Imperial, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE; Eastern Europe or Russia, ca. 16th century. An impressive group of three metal objects; a Roman lead furniture applique, a Roman leaded bronze attachment, and a 16th century Eastern Orthodox bronze reliquary. The furniture applique displays the smiling face of a bearded god. The leaded bronze attachment shows the low relief of a face wearing long earrings and a laurel wreath. Last, the reliquary presents the form of a cross topped with a tubular suspension loop where it previously opened to hold a relic. Decorated in relief, one side shows Mary holding Jesus and the other side shows Jesus holding the scripture; both are surrounded by Greek Christograms. Size of largest: 1.25" W x 3.125" H (3.2 cm x 7.9 cm)

Relics - physical remains of saints or objects associated with Christ, such as pieces of the True Cross, the shroud His body was wrapped in, or the Holy Grail - held tremendous power in early Christianity. Reliquaries, objects designed to hold relics, were usually kept in cathedrals or churches, but some wealthy individuals were able to possess them. The less wealthy could purchase small reliquaries containing less precious items like soil from a holy site, or metal items produced as a form of souvenir from shrines. Later, many of these objects were destroyed in times of religious conflict or strife; ones that are intact, like this one, have often been passed down through generations of families.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired from various New York auction houses and dealers

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#156691
Condition Report: All three show light softening of detail. Otherwise, all are intact and excellent with rich patina.