Teca-type Reliquary With Authentic Episcopal Seal – Ghent, 1864

Teca-type reliquary with authentic episcopal inscription – Ghent, 1864.

Circular teca-type reliquary containing four relics ex ossibus arranged in a cross around a central hand-painted motif (a blue and red polylobed cross on a striated gold background).

Description:

Interior decoration in paper filigree and polychrome highlights, typical of 19th-century devotional objects.

The relics are identified by handwritten inscriptions under glass and correspond to those mentioned on the attached authentic:
- S. AMANDI Ep. C. - Sanctus Amandus, Episcopus et Confessor - Saint Amand, missionary bishop († c. 676)
- S. IGNATII Ep. S. → Sanctus Ignatius, Episcopus et Socius (or Sanctus) - very probably Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr
- S. MACHUTI Ep. S. → Sanctus Machutus, Episcopus et Sanctus = Saint Malo (Machutus), bishop of Saint-Malo
- S. OMERII Ep. C. → Sanctus Omerius, Episcopus et Confessor = Saint Omer, bishop of Thérouanne.

The fragments are fixed on an ornate background and protected under glass.

The reverse side is closed and sealed with wire and an intact red episcopal wax seal bearing the arms of Henricus-Franciscus Bracq, Bishop of Ghent.

Authenticity document included.
Original authentic document on paper, dated Ghent, July 20, 1864, signed and sealed by Henricus-Franciscus Bracq, Bishop of Ghent, certifying the authenticity of the relics according to the prescriptions of the Council of Trent.

The document precisely describes:
– the nature of the relics,
– their placement in an oval reliquary made of metal, silver, and crystal,
– their sealing with wire and red episcopal wax,
– and authorizes their display for the private veneration of the faithful.

The embossed episcopal seal is well preserved.

Condition:

Good overall condition. - Glass in place. - Wax seal intact. - Creases consistent with age.

In accordance with canon law (can. 1190 §1), this sale concerns only the reliquary as a sacred work of art.
The relics it contains are not the subject of the transaction but are included free of charge for their historical and cultural value.

Please feel free to contact me for any further information or to request additional photos of the items offered for sale.