Vintage Reliquary Pendant with Relic of Saint Joachim

Vintage Reliquary Pendant with Relic of Saint Joachim

A rare antique reliquary pendant containing a devotional relic labelled S. Joachim P V. (Saint Joachim). The relic is set on red silk and finished with fine gilt devotional ornamentation beneath original glass.

This type of reliquary traditionally holds a minute devotional relic fragment — often a small thread, piece of clh, or occasionally a tiny particle of bone — attributed to Saint Joachim and preserved as a sign of honour and spiritual intercession.

• Saint Joachim is honoured in Christian tradition as the father of the Virgin Mary and grandfather of Jesus. He is associated with steadfastness, hope, family blessing, and divine providence.

The back casing houses its original internal red-wax ecclesiastical seal securing the threads. The chain shown is modern and included for wear, but not original to the the reliquary.

Reliquary size: H4 cm x W3.7 cm
Chain length: L 51.5cm
Origin: Italy
Period: 18th–19th century
One of a kind.