{"product_id":"antique-french-carved-bone-rosary-memento-mori-crucifix","title":"Antique French Carved Bone Rosary with Large Memento Mori Crucifix, Sacred Heart Centre, Catholic Devotional Rosary","description":"\u003cp\u003eSHIPPING INCLUDED\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA striking antique Catholic rosary made with intricately carved bone beads linked by a bronze chain. The beads are graduated in size, with larger carved Pater beads adding wonderful texture and character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart-shaped bronze centre depicts the Virgin Mary and bears the French inscription “Ô Marie conçue sans péché, priez pour nous” — “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us.” The reverse is decorated with a Marian monogram and small stars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rosary is completed by a particularly large crucifix made from ebony and bronze. At the foot of the crucifix is a skull-and-crossbones motif, traditionally associated with Golgotha and the Christian remembrance of mortality, giving it a distinctive memento mori character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a substantial rosary, measuring approximately 24 inches (61 cm) in overall length when laid flat, with a main-loop circumference of approximately 29 inches (73.7 cm).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crucifix measures approximately 3⅞ inches high by 1⅞ inches wide and ⅜ inch deep (9.8 × 4.8 × 1 cm). The larger Pater beads measure approximately 1.3 cm (½ inch), while the Ave beads measure approximately 1 cm (⅜ inch). The rosary weighs 94.7 grams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of its substantial size, weight and large crucifix, this rosary may originally have been worn suspended from the belt or cord of a religious habit by a monk, nun or priest. Rosaries of this type were sometimes carried or worn at the waist within religious communities, although its original ownership cannot now be confirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is believed to date from the late 19th or early 20th century. The bronze has developed a natural aged patina, while the carved bone beads and ebony display the gentle colour variation and wear expected from age and devotional handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt remains in good antique condition, with age-related patina and wear. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA substantial and unusual French devotional rosary with a strong visual presence, suitable for a collector of antique Catholic objects or for devotional use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vintage French Treasures","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64137157312889,"sku":null,"price":235.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/8033\/7785\/files\/IMG_2153.jpg?v=1785592681","url":"https:\/\/vintagefrenchtreasures.com\/products\/antique-french-carved-bone-rosary-memento-mori-crucifix","provider":"Vintage French Treasures","version":"1.0","type":"link"}