Reliquary from Vadstena Convent (SHM 349:2)

A reliquary is a container for relics. The relics might have been physical remains of saints such as bones, pieces of clothing or objects that were associated with the religious figure. It is not known today what this reliquary once contained. It dates from the 15th century and was made in the Vadstena convent. Using needles and thread, the nuns of Vadstena created pictorial scenes and symbolically charged motifs. They embroidered with gold and silk thread, with techniques such as couching and split stitch, using beads and various kinds of metal foil. The wooden container is completely covered by the embroidered textile, with a pink lining inside, while the wooden base is painted in red and green. The reliquary was added to the museum’s collection in 1703, and was already then missing its lid. ______________ This object was scanned by Historiska, The Swedish History Museum