18th century Italian reliquary pendant with fragments of wood from the True Cross (Lingnum Crucis) encased in silver filigree and faceted crystal. This reliquary has a hinge for opening the crystal but remains sealed with red string finished with a wax seal displaying the coat of arms of a Bishop.

The Lingnum Crucis is thought to be a fragment of wood from the cross on which Jesus of Nazarene was crucified. Around the 4th century, there was an increased interest in these fragments and they began to be dispersed among many churches. They were first encased in cross-shaped boxes (stauroteca) for protection and covered with a precious stone. Later, a covering of clear rock crystal became more common for the viewing and veneration of this first class Christian relic.

11 x 7.5 x 1 cm