French, Limoges, 13th century

private collection, Wallonia

The plaquettes may have been set on an old core recently or the core was renewed at an early stage. The wooden legs are more recent. Most of the nails are later as is the sheet of copper forming the leg to the right of the angels. One of the poupees is lost and one of the pastes. Three elements broke off the ends and centre of the comb. Due to some a number of missing nails a few of the plaques are loose. Some of the plaques are warped at the edges. There is wear to the gilding and there are small losses to the enamel throughout. There are areas of restoration to the turquoise enamel of the angels on the roof, both saints, and some of the poupees. Otherwise the condition of the Romanesque casket is stable.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This reliquary is part of a group of Romanesque caskets made in Limoges that Jouhaud rather irreverently labelled châsses de pacotille, referring to the composed character of the caskets. These châsses are characterised by appliques in the shape of figures with a toy-like appearance known in France as poupées.  Châsses de pacotille are usually completely gilt and set with glass cabochons and semi-precious stones to mimic the richly decorated liturgical objects from cathedral treasuries. The construction of many parts probably caused that many of these caskets were damaged and fitted with parts from other fragmentary objects. Despite their often composite appearance châsses de pacotille were highly rated in the Middle Ages and filled with important relics, as is evident from their presence in the treasure of the Basilica of Saint-Denis. One of these, the châsse de saint Hippolyte, also has applied figures on one side and engraved angels on the other.

RELATED LITERATURE
L. Jouhaud, ‘Les “châsses de pacotille”’, Bulletin de la Société archéologique et historique du Limousin, LXXXIII, 1949, pp. 48-75; Le trésor de Saint-Denis, exh. cat. Musée du Louvre, Paris, 1991,  pp. 226-227, no. 42