Cabochon Reliquary Containing A Fragment Of The True Cross Of Christ – Diocese Of Bruges – Belgium, Bishop’s Seal

A rare and curious reliquary containing a fragment of the True Cross of Christ, likely originating from the Diocese of Bruges in Belgium and dating from the late 19th or very early 20th century.

With a particularly unusual shape, this reliquary takes the form of a large translucent glass cabochon (or possibly rock crystal, a material difficult to determine with certainty due to its convex shape and optical distortion effects). This unique design is likely due to the fact that the reliquary was originally intended to be set or attached to a more monumental reliquary, serving as both a decorative and protective element.

Beneath the cabochon is a small label bearing the inscription “Crucis J C”, a traditional abbreviation referring to the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ (Crucis Jesu Christi). Photographing this inscription is difficult due to the curvature of the cabochon, which causes significant optical distortions.

On the reverse, the reliquary retains its original ecclesiastical seal intact and unbroken, a particularly interesting feature regarding the piece’s authenticity and provenance. The seal is accompanied by several handwritten annotations, including the following:

“ 14.438 Ecclesiae Dioecesis Brugensis ”
(Church of the Diocese of Bruges)

This reference indicates an ecclesiastical provenance linked to the Diocese of Bruges (Belgium). The seal, which has yet to be precisely identified, appears to belong to an ecclesiastical authority—likely a bishop or someone acting under his authority—responsible for the authentication and preservation of relics. The inscribed number could correspond to a diocesan inventory reference; it would be worthwhile to continue research in the episcopal archives of Bruges to trace its origins.

The city of Bruges has an exceptional tradition surrounding the relics of the Passion of Christ, notably with the famous Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses a distinguished relic of the Holy Blood. The diocese has also preserved and venerated other relics related to the Passion, including several fragments attributed to the True Cross. This small reliquary could therefore correspond to one of these fragments preserved as part of Bruges’ religious heritage.

A rare object that serves as both a testament to Christian devotion to the Passion of Christ, an ecclesiastical curiosity, and a historical document still bearing traces of its institutional history.

Dimensions:Diameter: approximately 4 cm, Height: approximately 3 cm

Condition: generally good condition except for a chip on the cabochon; seal preserved and intact.

Price excludes shipping costs

Police Registry Ref.: A159

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