Telltale c. 1780 - 1792

This is a small, round reliquary made by an anonymous maker. The structure of the piece is defined by its concentric circles, creating a sense of enclosure. The outermost ring, made of detailed metalwork, gives way to a beaded border which frames a translucent, amber-colored window. This window reveals a glimpse of the relic within, obscured by a crack and a hole. The amber hue evokes warmth, and the circular shape conveys wholeness and eternity. Yet, the imperfections visible through the glass remind us of temporality and decay. The use of concentric circles is not merely decorative; it's a symbolic ordering of space, drawing the eye inward to the sacred content at the center. The craftsmanship and materials suggest a desire to elevate and protect the relic, while also exposing it to the viewer. Such display engages in a dialogue between reverence and revelation, leaving us to consider the mysteries held within.