A Remarkable French Reliquary With Seven Relics And A Statue Of Mary, 1800's

This is a remarkable antique French reliquary that was recently discovered in the South of France. Dating from the 19th century this stunning devotional treasure incorporates a marvellous base that contains seven precious relics: St Frances, St Claire, St Therese and St Helena as well as St Mary of Lorette, "Scala Sancta" or The Holy Stairs and "Grotte Getsemane" or Grotto of Gethsemane. The relics are embellished with an intricate "paperolle" or gold paper quilling technique that was used in the past to decorate such objects. Placed upon the base is a gorgeous biscuit porcelain [or unglazed white porcelain] statue of the crowned Virgin Mary. Such sacred items used to be the central parts of private altars and chapels and were often displayed under glass domes or vitrines. It measures about 42 x 23 x 14 cm or approximately 16.5 x 9 x 5.5 inches and it is in lovely antique condition with signs of ageing mainly seen in a patina created by the passage of time. It is exactly as I discovered it. For the full condition please refer to the images!