Reliquary pendant. Spain, 18th century

Reliquary pendant. Spain, 18th century.
Made of hallmarked silver, oval in shape. The frame is decorated with filigree work, featuring circular and plant motifs arranged around the central compartment. The top is openwork and features a loop for hanging.
It has a patina consistent with its age.
Measurements: 7 x 5 x 2 cm.

This type of portable reliquary became widely popular in Spain during the 18th century; it was designed to hold small relics or devotional images and to be worn suspended from a chain. The filigree ornamentation, created from fine silver wires that have been coiled and soldered together, lends the piece the rich decorative style characteristic of devotional silverwork from that period.