France, circa 1890–1910
A magnificent antique French rosary from the turn of the twentieth century, composed of luminous garnet red faceted glass beads joined by an aged metal chain.
The extraordinary centerpiece appears to be a highly ornamented Marian monogram, formed from intertwined letters associated with the Virgin Mary and surrounded by scrolling foliage. The design continues into the crucifix below, an unusually elaborate openwork cross ornamented with curling leaves, flowers and architectural flourishes, with the silver toned figure of Christ laid over the warmer gilt metal beneath.
Even the larger Pater beads have been given special treatment, held between delicate flower shaped metal caps. The effect is almost jewel like. When light passes through the beads, their color shifts from near black burgundy to a brilliant ecclesiastical red.
This was made as an object of prayer, but also as an object of beauty. Its red beads evoke a long Christian language of love, sacrifice, blood, devotion and the Sacred Heart, while the Marian monogram at its center places the rosary unmistakably beneath the mantle of Mary.
More than a century later, the metal retains its aged patina and the glass its remarkable depth of color. Small variations and traces of wear remain as evidence of its age and devotional life.
Antique French rosary
Faceted garnet red glass beads
Ornate Marian monogram centerpiece
Elaborate gilt openwork crucifix
Floral capped Pater beads
Original aged patina
One of a kind
Important Note
All sales final, each piece is one-of-a-kind. Please note the shipping, pick-up and delivery options at check-out.
France, circa 1890–1910
A magnificent antique French rosary from the turn of the twentieth century, composed of luminous garnet red faceted glass beads joined by an aged metal chain.
The extraordinary centerpiece appears to be a highly ornamented Marian monogram, formed from intertwined letters associated with the Virgin Mary and surrounded by scrolling foliage. The design continues into the crucifix below, an unusually elaborate openwork cross ornamented with curling leaves, flowers and architectural flourishes, with the silver toned figure of Christ laid over the warmer gilt metal beneath.
Even the larger Pater beads have been given special treatment, held between delicate flower shaped metal caps. The effect is almost jewel like. When light passes through the beads, their color shifts from near black burgundy to a brilliant ecclesiastical red.
This was made as an object of prayer, but also as an object of beauty. Its red beads evoke a long Christian language of love, sacrifice, blood, devotion and the Sacred Heart, while the Marian monogram at its center places the rosary unmistakably beneath the mantle of Mary.
More than a century later, the metal retains its aged patina and the glass its remarkable depth of color. Small variations and traces of wear remain as evidence of its age and devotional life.
Antique French rosary
Faceted garnet red glass beads
Ornate Marian monogram centerpiece
Elaborate gilt openwork crucifix
Floral capped Pater beads
Original aged patina
One of a kind
Important Note
All sales final, each piece is one-of-a-kind. Please note the shipping, pick-up and delivery options at check-out.
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