Box - Metal - Relic Chest

Very special and heavily executed metal religious reliquary chest, richly decorated with finely cast relief tableaux. Around it, the chest is adorned with narrative scenes featuring standing and kneeling figures in robes, clearly inspired by Christian iconography. The depiction continues onto the sides and the lid, giving the object a strong narrative and monumental character.

The lid shows multiple figures under Gothic arches, framed by floral motifs. The detailing is notably sharp and testifies to high-quality casting work. The warm patina enhances the relief and gives the chest an authentic, restrained appearance. The interior is also metal and was once lined with red velvet, showing signs of age and use, appropriate to its age.

The chest rests on four small feet and feels solid and heavy. Possibly originally used as a devotions chest, reliquary, or for storing valuable personal objects. A beautiful object for collectors of religious art, symbolism, or historic metal objects.

A rare and decorative piece that appeals both in content and in aesthetics.

Dimensions
Length 15 cm
Width 8 cm
Height 6.5 cm

Photos give a clear indication of quality and form part of the description.

The whole will be well packed and shipped with tracking. The shipping costs also cover packing materials and transport. Local pickup is only possible when the lot is auctioned for more than €50 and, of course, by appointment during office hours.

Amsterdam School, Hague School, Chicago School, expressionism, neostyle, art deco, art nouveau, cubist, 1920s-30s Jugendstil, neoclassicism, religious reliquary, metal chest, devotional chest, reliquary, Christian art, religious iconography, antique chest, 19th century, religious objects, historical metal, collectible, symbolism, patina, ecclesiastical heritage