Limoges, France, c1200
Gilt copper-alloy and enamel
H18.5, W18.6, D8.7cm
Bernal Collection 1855
1855.12-1.8
The cult of the three kings at Cologne prospered as one of the four most important centres of pilgrimage in Europe. Gifts of relics from the shrine, contained in high quality reliquaries produced in Limoges, encouraged the cult to spread. The reliquaries consisted of richly enamelled copper sheets attached to a gable-ended, wooden core surmounted by a crest set with either rock crystals or enamelled roundels. The narrative of the journey and the adoration of the three kings can be seen on the front. Each side carries the image of an unidentified saint while the back is decorated with squares containing floral motifs. According to legend, the relics had been discovered by the Empress Helena who brought them to Constantinople. They were transported to Milan in the fourth century where they remained until they were installed in Cologne by Frederick Barbarossa between 1162-4.
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