4.75″ x 6.25″. The object appears to be an antique 18th- or 19th-century paperolle reliquary, which is a traditional type of Catholic devotional monastic artwork. ? Design: It features intricate paper quilling, known as paperolle, made from tightly rolled, shaped, and gilded paper strips. ? Central Motif: A central molded element resembling a sacred heart or devotional figure is surrounded by small decorative beads, sequins, and metallic wire threads. ? Frame: It is housed in a dark, molded wooden shadowbox frame protected by a glass front. ? Purpose: These delicate devotional pieces were traditionally crafted by European monastics in convents and monasteries, often to house small saint relics or prayer tokens for home altars.
