Rare, Stunning, Very Decorative Antique Meershaum Retablo, France mid 1800s Jesus Christ on the Cross. This French religious art is a very detailed view of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in meerschaum with the 3 Maria’s (The Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene and Maria Cleophas) and the unnamed woman. “Meerschaum” is a German word meaning literally, “sea-foam, ” alluding to the belief that it was the compressed whitecaps of waves, just as it is said in mythology for the goddess of beauty – Aphrodite. Meerschaum is a hydrated magnesium silicate. Reliquary meerschaum is made from the mineral sepiolite and is prized for its plasticity which allows it to be carved into many decorative shapes. Framed in a black painted oval wooden frame and domed, convex glass. The artists skill is evident in the fine details as seen from the skull and cross bones, the crown of thorns and the intricacies of facial expressions. Please check out the pictures. If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to contact me. Inside of Frame Measures Approx. 8.5″ x 11.75″tall. Outside of Frame Measures Approx. 12.5″ x 16″tall. Check out my other items. View more great items. The item “Meerschaum Retablo Oval France Antique mid 1800s Religious Art Jesus Crucifixion” is in sale since Thursday, December 22, 2016. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Religion & Spirituality\Christianity\Statues & Figures”. The seller is “worldpeace101″ and is located in Tucson, Arizona. This item can be shipped to United States.