rosary workshop  - museum index
MUSEUM  of  ANTIQUE ROSARIES
 We learn 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. 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.

IMAGES BY CENTURY - (17th, 18th, 19th, 20th)
OR BY DESCRIPTION
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PRIVATE COLLECTIONS   -  ARTICLES ON ANTIQUE ROSARIES

miniature antique icon - 1.5  x 2 in
 

dedicated to PHILIP LEON CARTER
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.
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 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.

19th century faceted red glass filigree - Bavaria

~ IMAGES  by  CENTURIES ~

17th - 18th century filigree and wood

~ IMAGES  by  DESCRIPTION ~

18th century faceted coral filigree - Bavaria

~ PRIVATE COLLECTIONS ~

 ~ ARTICLES ~

20th Century Filigree rosary

... of each human prayer ...
  The museum of  old rosaries is breathtaking.  Thinking of the years and years that those rosaries have been in the hands of pray-ers sure does make one feel connected.  The history of the rosary through the centuries is fascinating.  One thing I especially like is the variety in rosaries down the years.  Somehow, the antiquity and the variety have significance to me...  unity down the years coupled with the uniquenss of each human prayer... brought together as one with God.  << sigh>>  Doesn't that just bring chills?   Johnna M (FL)
 

 
... A sharing ...
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)

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