Saint Calminius Reliquary
The Saint Calminius Reliquary (French – châsse de saint Calmin) is the 12th-century chasse-form reliquary which was the main object in the treasury of Mozac Abbey. It contains the bones of Saint Calminius and his wife Saint Namadie.
The structure is of wood and measures 81 × 24 cm x 45 cm. Fourteen copper plaques have been attached, which are enameled using the champlevé technique (gaps are carved in the metal, into which molten enamel is poured before firing). The box is in the shape of a church without a transept or choir. It is decorated with Limoges champlevé enamel, depicting scenes from the life of the saint and his wife, in particular the foundation of the three institutions and his funeral.
It was permanently exhibited on the south arm of the transept of the abbey church. It was hidden and saved in 1789 during the French Revolution by a villager and municipal councillor Jean Ozenne (1756–1832). It is now housed in the Musée Dobrée.
Bibliography
- Bernard Craplet, Abbatiale Saint-Pierre – Mozac, Éditions Gaud, Moisenay, 2002, p. 24–27
- Marie-Madeleine Gauthier, Émaux du Moyen Âge occidental, Diffusion Weber, Paris, 1972.
- Marie-Madeleine Gauthier, Émaux méridionaux : catalogue international de l'œuvre de Limoges, Paris, 1987.