This is the most beautiful cross that you will ever see. A stunning 19th Century Reliquary with the 14 Holy Relics of the Passion of Christ (Via Dolorosa). In pristine condition, rare. Christian artisans around Jerusalem had been famous for working in mother of pearl and producing crosses with this material for pilgrims to the Holy Land since the Middle Ages. This is the work of a master artisan, and this cross is the culmination of centuries of development in the craft. It is of olive wood and sits in a frame from which it can be detached and removed. The olive wood is overlain with mother of pearl. The border of the cross is iridescent. The density of the material is very similar to the wavelengths of light; light is diffracted, transformed; and the product is chatoyant. The science does not matter, the effect does. It is beautiful. Around the rainbow, the mother of pearl is white, and intricately carved into the shape of leaves. The force of the white woven around the iridescence is powerful. The rainbow is a promise of salvation. The leaves appear to be fig. When the fig tree puts forth its leaves, summer is near. When you see these things, know that He is near. The back of the cross contains Holy Relics of the 14 stations of the Via Dolorosa, intended for the pilgrim to follow Christ closely on the path to the cross. Set in a custom made European (France?) case, resting in red velvet and protected by a glass. Measurements 60x40 cm. Condition Pristine. Absolutely no damage whatsoever, very rare.