Antique Agnus Dei Reliquary | Saint Clare & Saint Colette | Original Devotional Case

A charming antique Catholic devotional object associated with the Agnus Dei tradition, preserved in its original handmade textile presentation.

This unusual piece consists of a small rectangular devotional plaque mounted on a rich red textile ground and decorated with intricate gold-coloured threadwork.

At the centre is a small oval devotional medal depicting the Virgin Mary, surrounded by delicate woven and embroidered decoration. A small bow of pale thread remains tied across the upper section, adding to the intimate, handmade character of the piece.

The reverse preserves an original printed identification label reading:

“AGNUS DEI
PAASNAGEL
H. CLARA
H. COLETA”

The term “Paasnagel” is Dutch for Easter nail, referring to a devotional object associated with the Passion and Easter traditions.

The piece is accompanied by its original small protective textile holder, which shows considerable age and handling. The red material, gold-coloured threads and paper label have all developed the natural character of an old devotional object.

Its unusual construction and surviving original label make it a particularly interesting addition to a collection of Catholic devotional objects, Agnus Dei items and historic religious ephemera.

✦ Details

• Type: Antique Catholic devotional / reliquary object
• Devotional association: Agnus Dei
• Original label: “AGNUS DEI PAASNAGEL H. CLARA H. COLETA”
• Materials: Textile, paper, metal and gold-coloured thread
• Approx. size of devotional piece: 4 × 3 cm
• Presentation: Original textile holder
• Period: Antique / vintage, exact date unknown
• Origin: Possibly Continental European; exact origin unknown
• Condition: Original aged condition

✦ Condition

This piece retains its original, unrestored character.

The textile shows age-related wear, discoloration and minor fraying. The gold-coloured threads are uneven in places and the paper label has naturally aged.

The devotional plaque itself also displays signs of age and handling.