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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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Pequeno oratório de suspender com duas portas em prata portuguesa, séc. XX, de David Ferreira. P.: 156,3 g.
May 05, 7:00 PM WEST
Pequeno oratório de suspender com duas portas em prata portuguesa, séc. XX, de David Ferreira. P.: 156,3 g.
by Palácio do Correio Velho
Est: €140- €300
€3209 Bids
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VINTAGE MARKED "TA AG 60" RELIGIOUS JESUS PLAQUE
May 01, 9:00 AM AEST
VINTAGE MARKED "TA AG 60" RELIGIOUS JESUS PLAQUE
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD303 Bids
Coroa do Espírito Santo, salva de pé e "ceptro"em prata portuguesa, séc. XX, de 833‰, P. total: 51,1 g. (3)
May 05, 7:00 PM WEST
Coroa do Espírito Santo, salva de pé e "ceptro"em prata portuguesa, séc. XX, de 833‰, P. total: 51,1 g. (3)
by Palácio do Correio Velho
Est: €20- €40
€353 Bids
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Mother Dolorosa & Ecce Homo Plaques
Apr 30, 6:00 PM EDT
Mother Dolorosa & Ecce Homo Plaques
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$62 Bids
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Small Religious Wall Hangings
Apr 30, 6:00 PM EDT
Small Religious Wall Hangings
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$42 Bids
Early Hand Painted Chalkware Figural Cherub Wall Plaque Decoration 4"X7"
May 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Early Hand Painted Chalkware Figural Cherub Wall Plaque Decoration 4"X7"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
A BAROQUE COMMUNION CHALICE
May 15, 10:00 AM CEST
A BAROQUE COMMUNION CHALICE
by Nagel Auction
Est: €700- €1,000
€7001 Bid
A BAROQUE SILVERGILT COMMUNION CHALICE
May 15, 10:00 AM CEST
A BAROQUE SILVERGILT COMMUNION CHALICE
by Nagel Auction
Est: €1,000- €1,500
€1,0001 Bid
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Antique Sterling Silver Rosary
May 03, 9:00 AM MDT
Antique Sterling Silver Rosary
by Davis Brothers Auction
Est: $25- $50
$101 Bid
Circa 1755 British Cross – Dug at “Bear Camp” in Garrett County, MD
May 17, 10:00 AM EDT
Circa 1755 British Cross – Dug at “Bear Camp” in Garrett County, MD
by Redding Auction Service
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
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Hand-Painted Porcelain Madonna and Child Plaque in Shadow Box
Apr 30, 2:00 PM EDT
Hand-Painted Porcelain Madonna and Child Plaque in Shadow Box
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $200- $800
$201 Bid
Two Continental Baroque giltwood reliquaries, 18th century
Apr 30, 10:00 AM PDT
Two Continental Baroque giltwood reliquaries, 18th century
by Andrew Jones Auctions
Est: $600- $800
$3001 Bid
Rosário de prata e contas de jaspe sanguínea, Peso total aprox.: 75,5 g.
May 05, 7:00 PM WEST
Rosário de prata e contas de jaspe sanguínea, Peso total aprox.: 75,5 g.
by Palácio do Correio Velho
Est: €50- €100
€501 Bid
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Lot Including Religious Figurines
May 06, 6:00 PM EDT
Lot Including Religious Figurines
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
Spectacular Flemish or Dutch Reliquary Grand Cross from the 17th century
Apr 30, 3:00 PM CEST
Spectacular Flemish or Dutch Reliquary Grand Cross from the 17th century
by Templum Fine Art Auctions
Est: €4,000- €4,500
€9501 Bid
New Spanish reliquary with Saint Michael the Archangel and cloth relic, Mexico, 17th century
Apr 30, 3:00 PM CEST
New Spanish reliquary with Saint Michael the Archangel and cloth relic, Mexico, 17th century
by Templum Fine Art Auctions
Est: €1,200- €1,500
€4001 Bid
(2) Religious Brass Rubbings On Paper
May 03, 10:00 AM MST
(2) Religious Brass Rubbings On Paper
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$101 Bid
A German eglomisée rosary pendant, circa 1600
May 06, 10:00 AM CEST
A German eglomisée rosary pendant, circa 1600
by Hermann Historica GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€6000 Bids
A CREWELWORK PRIEST'S STOLE, EARLY 18TH CENTURY
May 08, 10:30 AM BST
A CREWELWORK PRIEST'S STOLE, EARLY 18TH CENTURY
by Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
Est: £200- £400
£2000 Bids
A German pewter holy water cauldron and rechaud, 17th - early 18th century
May 06, 10:00 AM CEST
A German pewter holy water cauldron and rechaud, 17th - early 18th century
by Hermann Historica GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€2400 Bids
The Hodegetria Mother of God
May 15, 10:00 AM CEST
The Hodegetria Mother of God
by Nagel Auction
Est: €400- €600
€4000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Religious Objects - Christian


Templum Fine Art Auctions

Templum Fine Art Auctions

Nagel Auction

Nagel Auction

Ansorena

Ansorena

Austin Auction Gallery

Austin Auction Gallery