ANTIQUE
ROSARIES from the rosary workshop - museum index
MUSEUM of
ANTIQUE ROSARIES
LET THEM SPEAK TO YOUR HEART
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BAVARIAN
FILIGREE ROSARIES We learn so much when we see the way prayer counters (rosaries and chaplets) have been made and used over the centuries. One of the first things you may notice - is how our contemporaries have commercialized and stylized the rosary into a standard form in the last few centuries. << 1822 - 19c >> |
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Let these old rosaries speak to your heart in their simplicity and elegance. Then make your own rosary from treasured beads and metals of your own keeping. The heart prays, the beads count. + RE IMAGES OF ANTIQUE ROSARIES With grateful thanks to rosary collectors all over the world who have shared images of their antique rosaries. Because of their generosity we are able to give you the opportunity to study and enjoy a diverse collection of antique prayer beads. None of the rosaries in this collection are physically at the Rosary Workshop. Many are shared by collectors who prefer to remain anon. We honor that request. None are for sale in the Museum. + ANTIQUE ROSARY DIRECTORY - MUSEUM COLLECTIONS PRIVATE COLLECTIONS - CRUCIFIXES - ARTICLES COUNCIL OF TRENT - CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS? MINIATURE ICONS |
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~ DIRECTORY ~
The dates below have been given by either the museum, collector or antiques dealer. We have tried to under estimate dates if unsure and are open to your comments and additions. BELOW: 15 decade rosary of fine wooden beads dated (1720) called a 'Psalter'. |
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a wonderful look into how rosaries were made in the late 1600s |
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worn as a necklace, this rosary has many pilgrimage medallions |
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fine example of a pearl rosary used as adornment from Peruvian nobility / wealth |
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hard to fine but very popular coral, thought to hold healing powers |
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a rare jubilee rosary showing sancta scala and the 4 basilica doors |
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full 15 decade of wooden beads honoring the Visitation & St John |
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6 decades with unusually beautiful/simple cross for this period |
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filigree rosary with 3 pendants - Germany |
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using the Eucharistic symbol on a rosary was popular in the 1700s |
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a piece of Lombardy/Venetia history is recorded here |
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large chained rosary of faceted red beads and faceted beads |
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a collection of 3 - one decade silver bead chaplets dedicated to men |
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tough chained rosary with a puffy heart has received a lifetime of use |
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a wonderful and rare faux pearl (glass) filigree from the 19c |
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ever wonder where those crosses with peepholes were called? |
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rosaries are for praying and these two show options as to placement |
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2 early 19c medals of great interest, Benedict and Apostolate |
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a very ornate silver filigree rosary inspired by traditional Bavarian |
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handmade beauty speaks of devotion by its unknown maker |
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beautiful crucifix by polish artist jean lambert rucki |
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metal pull chain rosaries were tough and ready for battle |
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2 wonderful glow in the dark rosaries with some history attached |
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A Latin American tradition called a 'Lasso' or 'Lazzo' rosary - 2 in one. |
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2 delightful rosaries traditionally sold as souvenirs/pilgrimages |
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a tradition that came from the underground church in Ireland |
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A traditional souvenir from France capturing an image of Mary |
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2 wonderful rosaries made with white pebbles from apparition hill |
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another tough rosary made especially for US troops in Iraqi conflict |
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~ MUSEUM COLLECTIONS ~ |
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The Hunt is in Limeric Ireland and has a room dedicated to antique rosaries |
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A priest's rosary with a very interesting history reflecting the days of the 'red coats' |
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Far to the Northwest of our country, our journey of discovery began ... |
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Have you ever seen or heard the spoken word of God? |
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~ PRIVATE COLLECTIONS ~
BELOW: A beautiful 19 c faceted red glass filigree found in Bavaria (Schwabish Gmund) |
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Visit this collection for a great variety of antique prayer beads |
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A wonderful look into musuem pieces now privately owned |
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Do you like to window shop? These religious artifacts are tempting! |
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Easter in Oberammergau is a firm reminderof a faith we should be living |
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no pictures allowed any more - but these will tease the imagination! |
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Visitors Open Gallery - check out items to identify or send us rare examples of your own |
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Can you identify any of these? A great history lesson! |
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~ CRUCIFIXES and CROSSES ~
BELOW: Peruvian Crucifix (Spanish Colonial Period -Latin America) 4.5 in x 3in - 1700s |
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A remarkable gathering of crucifixes from Spanish Colonial Latin America (from a private collection, recently released.) 1700s |
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A collection of indigenus Spanish Colonial Crucifixes from Bolivia, Cusco and Equador dating from the 1700s |
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From Germany (skull and crossbones) , Italy, Spain, Ireland - many worn by religious on their 15 decade rosaries. |
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A sampling of the small metal icons and crucifixes protected by the 'Old Believers' who were not accepting the new changes in their church. |
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See this rare Greek Orthodox 'Treen' Icon Crucifix, very very interesting cross from the 1700s Hand carved wood, double faced Icon. |
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A fine collection of the 'Galway Crucifix' - Influenced by Spanish Traders in the 1700s. From the Hunt. |
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During the Persecution of the Church (Penal Period) in Ireland, a narrow crucifix was developed to be hidden under the sleeve. |
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A collection of early Corpus (Hunt Museum) dating back to the 10c (Anglo Saxon), also including 11c and 12c. |
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Those little rings with 10 knobs for praying the rosary have a history and are known by many names, 'Basque Ring Rosary, 'Decade Ring', 'Thumb Rings'. |
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Coming very soon, along with Ethiopian crosses |
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~ ARTICLES ~
BELOW: Late 19c - early 20c Lacy Filigree Inspired by traditional Bavarian Rosaries |
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"It is easier to become a rosary from the 17th century than to find ... |
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Interesting information on why we see a skull under the feet of Christ |
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an in-depth article by Alexander Roman on Prayer Beads |
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"The first one I ever saw was in Rothenberg - I was captured by its beauty ... |
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Not just a cross but a symbol of our family tree, and those who fought for our freedom |
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antiques dealer Yankee Lady has set up a chart for identifying old/ new rosaries |
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An excellent collection of information on the rosary - resources, books, museum collections, configurations by Mestra Rafaella d'Allemtejo, OL |
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a wonderful new page on how rosaries were pictured throught the ages by the masters - Portraits of men and women from galleries all over the world. |
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Look far and wide but you will not find a more informative site on historical rosaries and chaplets. Chris Laning has done an exceptional job - and obviously loves doing what she is doing! She carefully researches her information and has beautiful images that tease the eye! The site is a visual treasure and you will learn a great deal by visiting. paternosters@igc.org |
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~ WHAT IS A 'CREDO-KREUZ' ? ~ |
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You will see an interesting 'Credo-kreuz' on many of the filigree rosaries in our collection. The Credo-kreuz (Credo-Cruz, Creed Cross) was a reminder to pray the Creed. One many of the early rosaries there were no Paters other than the one at the juncture of the loop where the pendant fell so the Credo Cross was next to the Reliquary cross at the end of the pendant then came the Pater to form the loop. The three Ave beads were added later and became a reminder to pray for an increase in Faith, Hope and Charity or Love. (Theological Virtues). But when did all of this come about? During the 6th session of the Council of Trent, Chapter X (On the increase of Justification received) it brings to mind. COUNCIL OF TRENT
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THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES (AVES) ON THE PENDANT I became very interested in the different ways this prayer was prayed so thought I would share some of the things I found out as I had never heard the request for an increase of Faith, Hope and Charity prayed on a rosary before and our Sister Frances said in all her travels it was new to her too, although many churches do. + LOCALLY (UP of MI) (German Catholic community) At our church, Church of the Precious Blood, the Creed is said on the crucifix, then the Pater, then 'pray for an increase of Faith, Hope and Love.' then 3 Aves. + OUR GERMAN COLLECTOR: The Credokreuz or Credo Cross reminds us to 'pray for an increase of Faith, Hope and Charity as some early rosaries did not have the first Pater or the three Aves) + OUR PRIEST FROM INDIA: Our Priest, Father Mathew, shared he was taught how to pray the pendant of the rosary after Creed on Crucifix, Pater, then on each Ave, the following prayer instead of all being announced in advance: + FIRST AVE - FAITH Mary, daughter of God the Father, pray for us that we may grow in faith. SECOND AVE - HOPE Mary, Mother of God is Son, pray for us that we may grow in hope. THIRD AVE - LOVE Spouse of God the Holy Spirit pray for us that we may grow in Love. |
~ MINIATURE / TRAVELERS ICONS ~
BELOW: Miniature antique Icon - 1.5 x 2 in. |
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One day my son found a square metal medallion type piece of Mary and Jesus. He gave it to me as a gift, for he thought that it looked like us. I have cherished this piece. As I was looking through your rosary museum, I saw the exact same piece. I was just amazed to see that Miniature Icon Antique being a replica of the one my son gave me. Heidi O (WI) - Bead and Button Magazine |
'loving compassion' 3 X 3.5 in |
'the intercessor' 2 x 2.5 in |
'the wonder worker' 2 x 2 in. |
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I was reviewing your web page last night and am interested in many of your rosaries. Very recently, I started a collection of rosaries using them (of course) for prayer - but also as a means of working and chatting with friends and family. I have found this to be a lovely and gentle medium of communication with those who are unbelievers or just lukewarm in their faith. Tracy C (VA)
... the rosaries we wear
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And all who love the Lord, love working with wood and are interested in learning how things were done over the centuries. How the rosary grew from a simple pebble to a string of wooden beads - to gemstones - yet know - it is the prayer of the heart that matters and not the substance of the bead. + This is a living museum and is open to your contributions in image form so that others may enjoy the many variations in rosaries and chaplets over the centuries. |
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FOR MORE ROSARIES AND CHAPLETS: Filigree Rosaries - Various Chaplets - Identify Misc Parts Cleric Rosaries - Visitors Open Gallery - Front Page antique rosary museum index |
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