LARGE Antique Mother of Pearl Sacred Heart Ex Voto

A RARE example in a very large size, it is heavily encrusted with 167 clear (bezel set) glass stones. It bears the initial "J", for Jesus, which is unusual (normally these are found with the initial "M" for Mary). The center is a large heart shaped wafer of mother of pearl shell. The size was used within the Catholic church altars in the late 1800's. It originates from the Champagne region of France (purchased within an over 25 year collection).

The frame is of cast bronze/brass. The model number, 156, is stamped on the back. The outer frame (the metal stamped with a twisted rope effect) forms a channel into which 39 large, faceted glass stones are (bezel) set. There is a 1/4" rise to a small center heart (the rise is of gilded bronze/brass). The mother of pearl heart is surrounded by 33 (bezel) set clear faceted glass stones.

The mother of pearl shell wafer is hand cut, with a natural curving ridge on the left side next to the bottom of the "J". Rainbow colors of pink and blue float across the surface with the light. The initial is formed by a hand wrought channel mount. Ranging from tiny to medium, it is encrusted with 32 (bezel) set clear glass stones (3 missing tiny stones).

The flame has a pronounced curve which adds movement and form when viewed from below. it is set with 63 small to large (bezel) set faceted stones (5 missing stones). The rays of the flame have a dipping curve rising to a tilt at the tip.

The back door opens to reveal a gilded face. We can see the mother of pearl shell with the mounting pins on the other half. It measures 7" tall x 2 1/2" wide x 3/4" thick. It is in very good antique condition.