Bursa Reliquary

Unknown

10th century · Bone, paint, copper gilt, iron brads, and sycamore wood · The Cloisters

The flat, geometric, and abstract style of the designs on this reliquary is similar to ivory carvings and architectural decoration of northern Italy. The openwork patterns of the bone plaques were originally silhouetted against gilded copper foil, creating a play of light and shadow. Traces of green and vermilion paint can still be seen accentuating the interlace borders of the designs. The religious purpose of this box is indicated by the "cross" that divides its face into four fields. Its shape derives from purses, or bursas, made of precious textiles in which saints’ relics were carried.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th century

Medium

Bone, paint, copper gilt, iron brads, and sycamore wood

Culture

North Italian

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1953