"reliquary" Relic Pendant - Italy - 18th Century

A rare 18th-century Italian pendant reliquary, oval in shape, containing several small relics carefully arranged around a central heart-shaped medallion.

The relics are accompanied by small handwritten inscriptions identifying the various saints to whom they pertain. The piece is embellished with gilded and polychrome papers, in keeping with the tradition of small reliquaries for private devotion from that period.

On the reverse is a delicate painted depiction of Saint Joseph carrying the Infant Jesus, holding his traditional lily, a symbol of purity.

The reliquary is protected by glass and surrounded by a metal frame fitted with a hanging ring.