Reliquary casket ("Emly Shrine")
late 7th–early 8th century
Place of ManufactureIreland
Medium/TechniqueChamplevé enamel on bronze over yew wood; gilt bronze moldings, inlay of lead-tin alloy
Dimensions9.2 x 4.1 x 10.5 cm (3 5/8 x 1 5/8 x 4 1/8 in.)
Credit LineTheodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour
Accession number52.1396
On View
On viewClassificationsEnamels
Collections
Made to hold the sacred relics of a saint (often parts of the saint’s body), Irish house-shaped reliquaries have been discovered as far away as Norway and Italy—carried there by Irish pilgrims or Viking raiders. This one, however, was found in Ireland and is named for its nineteenth century owner, Lord Emly of Limerick. It is quite tiny and was probably hung from the neck or shoulder of its owner as a source of protection and spiritual strength.
ProvenanceBy 1853, William Monsell (b. 1812 - d. 1894), 1st Baron Emly of Tervoe, Limerick County, Ireland [see note 1]; until 1952, by descent within the family; 1952, sold by Lord Emly (probably Edmond Alan Tremeur de Poher de la Poer-Monsell) to the MFA for $22,874. (Accession Date: October 9, 1952)NOTES:
[1] It was in his possession by 1853, when he lent it to the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin.
Unidentified
mid-12th century
about 1185
