Rare Antique Black Forest Carved Reliquary Frame c1850, Reused for Photo c1880

These beautiful Black Forest frames were usually made to reliquaries or possibly a painted representation of Madonna or Christ, they would be kept in the home and act as a focus for private devotion or worship. This ornate frame is carved from walnut wood with two hinged reticulated doors. The beautiful openwork has surface carving that shows the foliate design entwining sinuously within the design. The doors are carved on both the front and back, the deep set frame behind them, has scalloped edges. There is lots of delicately and expertly carved details. A real display of talented craftsmanship. This example is unusual as it was designed to be hung on a wall, but is missing the fitting on the back. It has a small area of damage and loss to the pinnacle and a small knock on one of the doors.

The frame has lost the original painted porcelain plaque or reliquary and has been replaced by a wonderful photo that dates to c1880. It is a black and white study of a mother and child. The soft tones give a slightly enigmatic feel to the picture, especially as it is paired with this frame, echoing the Madonna and Child. The detail of the mothers clothes, such as the lace, the voluminous sleeves of her gown, as well as the babies lace gown. The picture is protected under glass.

The frame measures approx. 24cm by 8.5cm by 2.6cm when closed or 24cm by 16.8cm  by 1.9cm when opened.

An unusual rare collectable.

Please see pictures for more details.

Thanks for looking and Happy Bidding!

Recycled packaging is used as much as possible.

I am always happy to combine postage, all I ask if you let me know if you are bidding on more than one item within a few days of each other. I will pack and weigh the items together and get the best possible price that I can, sometimes weight or value might dictate that I send multiple parcels to get a better value for you.