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Religious Objects - Christian

Religious objects have always been central to Christian worship. Today, the variety of Christian objects available for purchase reflects the diversity of the religion’s numerous denominations and traditions.

Prior to the schism between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches during the 11th century, religious services and rituals were complicated affairs requiring expertly crafted vestments, crosses, vessels, and images. Most objects were made of gold or silver or a combination of precious metals, ivory, and gems. However, in 16th-century England, the Reformation marked an important shift in the appearance and use of religious objects. Expensive items made of valuable materials were confiscated, and liturgical objects, notably chalices and clerical attire, assumed a more modest and plain appearance.

Following the Reformation, additional movements occurred that further increased the production of Christian religious objects. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Gothic Revival resulted in dramatic, Medieval-inspired textiles, icons, and vestments, which combined the style of early Christian art with innovative designs and industrialized art-making techniques. The Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century responded to these changes by hearkening back to the pre-industrial age and prizing handmade works of art. Today, a limitless range of icons, crosses, communion pieces, figurines, lamps, and other Christian items are available at auction.


Quick Facts

  • On May 11, 2015, Christie’s London sold a portable 16th-century Christian shrine commissioned by the Portuguese Jesuits for $595,597
  • On October 19, 2015, the Fauvre Paris Auction House sold a Lalique silver rhinoceros beetles chalice for $235,000
  • Christian rosaries are often worn as necklaces and displayed in homes or as part of a personal altar or shrine

Recommended Items at Auction

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19th C Fine Sterling Vermeil Gothic Chalice
Sep 30, 11:00 AM EDT
19th C Fine Sterling Vermeil Gothic Chalice
by Kavanagh Auctions
Est: $100- $15,000
$37510 Bids
VERY EARLY RELIC OF SAINT JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY
Sep 30, 12:00 PM EDT
VERY EARLY RELIC OF SAINT JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $850- $1,250
$2007 Bids
1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT PATRICK, BISHOP OF IRELAND
Sep 30, 12:00 PM EDT
1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT PATRICK, BISHOP OF IRELAND
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $450- $950
$1205 Bids
1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT TERESA OF LISIEUX, TERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS W DOCUMENTS
Sep 30, 12:00 PM EDT
1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT TERESA OF LISIEUX, TERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS W DOCUMENTS
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $550- $950
$1403 Bids
1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT PIUS X WITH AUTHENTICATION DOCUMENT DATED 1956
Sep 30, 12:00 PM EDT
1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT PIUS X WITH AUTHENTICATION DOCUMENT DATED 1956
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $450- $850
$603 Bids
BEAUTIFULLY STYLED ORTHADOX LARGE CHALICE CIRCA 1940-50
Sep 30, 12:00 PM EDT
BEAUTIFULLY STYLED ORTHADOX LARGE CHALICE CIRCA 1940-50
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $450- $850
$603 Bids
EARLY 1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA
Oct 21, 12:00 PM EDT
EARLY 1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $550- $850
$603 Bids
1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT FRANCIS BORGIA WITH AUTHENTICATION DOCUMENT DATED 1952
Sep 30, 12:00 PM EDT
1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT FRANCIS BORGIA WITH AUTHENTICATION DOCUMENT DATED 1952
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $450- $850
$602 Bids
STERLING SILVER ROSARY BEAD NECKLACE
Oct 01, 10:00 AM EDT
STERLING SILVER ROSARY BEAD NECKLACE
by Imperial Auction
Est: $100- $200
$302 Bids
A FINE SILVER PLATE CIBORIUM.
Sep 30, 12:00 PM EDT
A FINE SILVER PLATE CIBORIUM.
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $550- $950
$602 Bids
2-1ST CLASS RELICS OF 2-GREAT SAINTS
Oct 21, 12:00 PM EDT
2-1ST CLASS RELICS OF 2-GREAT SAINTS
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $550- $950
$602 Bids
[RELIKWIEËN]
Sep 30, 10:00 AM CEST
[RELIKWIEËN]
by Auctions Van de Wiele
Est: €90- €140
€901 Bid
[DEVOTIEPRENTJES]
Sep 30, 10:00 AM CEST
[DEVOTIEPRENTJES]
by Auctions Van de Wiele
Est: €280- €360
€2801 Bid
[KANTPRENTJES]
Sep 30, 10:00 AM CEST
[KANTPRENTJES]
by Auctions Van de Wiele
Est: €50- €70
€501 Bid
1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT JOANNES WITH AUTHENTICATION DOCUMENT DATED 1959
Sep 30, 12:00 PM EDT
1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT JOANNES WITH AUTHENTICATION DOCUMENT DATED 1959
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $450- $850
$501 Bid
1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT CALLISTUS, POPE AND MARTYR, 3RD CENTURY
Sep 30, 12:00 PM EDT
1ST CLASS RELIC OF SAINT CALLISTUS, POPE AND MARTYR, 3RD CENTURY
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $450- $850
$501 Bid
FABULOUS LARGE GOTHIC CATHEDRAL RELIQUARY FOR YOUR PRECIOUS RELICS
Sep 30, 12:00 PM EDT
FABULOUS LARGE GOTHIC CATHEDRAL RELIQUARY FOR YOUR PRECIOUS RELICS
by RB Fine Arts
Est: $450- $950
$501 Bid
Pair of antique French bluestone church plaques with iron bars
Sep 30, 10:00 AM EDT
Pair of antique French bluestone church plaques with iron bars
by King Galleries
Est: $400- $500
$2001 Bid
Sterling Silver Religious Pendant Necklace
Sep 28, 10:00 AM EDT
Sterling Silver Religious Pendant Necklace
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $1,000
$11 Bid
Framed Allah's Prayer In Folding Case
Sep 28, 10:00 AM EDT
Framed Allah's Prayer In Folding Case
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $1,000
$11 Bid
Qvc Manger Nativity Scene
Sep 30, 10:00 AM MST
Qvc Manger Nativity Scene
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$101 Bid

Sellers Who Sell Religious Objects - Christian


RB Fine Arts

RB Fine Arts

Auctions Van de Wiele

Auctions Van de Wiele

Templum Fine Art Auctions

Templum Fine Art Auctions

Hampel Fine Art Auctions

Hampel Fine Art Auctions