RELIQUARY, a MC or repository for relic*. Time term is usually t-onfined to the smaller relic-cases, those of large dimensions, whether fixed or moverible, being more commenly designated //sues. Wh"n the veneration of relics had become universal In the medieval church, time practice of enclosing the relic in it. own special ease, so as to preserve it alike from danger of loss fuel from contact with less sacred objects, was generally adopted ; and these cams, often gifts to the churches, were usually of the finest workninnehip of the period, and sometimes of very costly materials, Reliquaries' are among the most privet remains of medheval art-workmanship now preserved in the ecclesiastical treasuries of the continent and in public museums. They vary of course widely in pecuniary and artistic value, and also in size and form Those of earliest date, ilvsantiue iu character, are fre quently of copper almost wholly enamelled ; and a connnon form, when not a mere casket or conk*, is that of a chapel or basilica, having on the sides and ends figures of Christ and the apostles, or the legend of the saint whose relics they enclosed. Later, the chureh form is more developed, the rides and gable-ends having, especially in French and German examples, columns, arches, crock ets, pinnacles, and even towers.
Those of the 13th nod 11th centuries are often exquisite specimens of the cut of the period. They are commonly of metal —latten, silvergilt, or gold—with figures in relief, and enamel. introduced with great taste and admirably executed. Some are of wood or ivory, beautifully carved. Sometimes they 11$5111110 the form of the relic itself—an a head, heart, hand, or foot, where they were made to contain a portion of one of those members. The large reliquaries, or shrines, were of stone or brawls, and, where regardedas of special sanctity, were overlaid with the accumulated offerings of devotees. Thus the shrine of time Three Kings at Cologne was ornamented with jewels said to be of the value of nearly a quarter of a million. The shrine of Thomas it Becket, at Canterbury, was of almost inconceivable value. Those were, however, the real or supposed tombs of the saints, and though sometimes spoken of as reliquaries, are, as we said, more properly called shrines. Of reliquaries proper some few examples remain in our churches, as at Brixworth, near Northampton; Yaxley, near Peterborough, &e. Several good examples of enamel, metal, and carved ivory reliquaries are in the South Kensington Museum.