Book-Shaped Reliquary
Medium
ivory, silver: gilded, pearls, rubies, emeralds, crystals, onyx, carnelian, oak
Dimensions
31.6 × 24.4 × 7.5 cm · part 1: 17.8 × 14 cm
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust
Accession Number
1930.741
Tags
About this artwork
This sumptuous object closely resembles a deluxe medieval book cover in both form and decoration. It was likely commissioned by Otto the Mild, Duke of Saxony (reigned 1318–48) around 1340. It was made to contain a leaf from each gospel and relics of the 11,000 virgins and 4 other saints. These relics were originally kept in a cavity behind the delicately carved ivory plaque depicting scenes from the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11). The story of Christ's first miracle is presented in three scenes. ...