Reliquary in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, February 2010

Reliquary
Gilded copper, rock crystal, glass, and parchment
French (?)
Made about 1125-1200 (rock crystal); early 19th century (?) (setting)

Accession # 17.190.813

The core of this opulent reliquary contains a large late twelth-century rock crystal with engraved vine scroll patterns from the Meuse valley (present-day Belgium). It was said to have once held relics of Saint Margaret, Philip the Apostle, and Catherine as well as of Bishop Valerius. The present neo-Gothic setting may reflect the original reliquary form.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.