1800s antique French gilded quilling art or 'paperolles' relic. This is a lovely reliquary with a glass front. The glass is intact and in place. The central image in the relic is the small statue.
To the left of the statue, it reads St Honoré. A 7th-century French bishop, particularly known as the patron saint of bakers, whose relics were invoked for good harvests and weather, leading to veneration and the creation of the famous Gateau St. Honore. His relics, often housed in beautiful reliquaries, were central to his cult, with processions bringing rain during droughts, solidifying his association with bread and baking.
Below the statue, it reads "Stes reliques relic" likely refers to Sacred Relics of Saints, which are sacred items (bones, hair, clothes) connected to saints, kept in ornate containers (reliquaries) for veneration in Catholic tradition, believed to channel God's grace and draw people closer to the saints. The "Stes" part probably means "Saints" (plural of Saint), and "reliquary" (or "relics") refers to the sacred objects themselves, often housed in ornate reliquaries, serving as potent reminders and conduits of faith.
To the right of the statue, it reads St Martyrs, which usually refers to a physical remnant of a canonized saint, venerated in Christianity as a connection to their holiness, with early Christians collecting remains of martyrs.
The relic itself is in very good condition, given its age of 150-plus years. I can see no issues inside the relic. The gilded embossed trim, inner and outer paper framing the relic, has been torn, and some is missing. The back is papered and is solid. This is a lovely piece measuring 3.25" x 2.5" and would be a beautiful addition to any collection or the beginning of a new one.
Please email with questions.
