An Italian silver Catholic ostensory or monstrance bearing the circular glass compartment opening to reveal an elaborate hand-carved of natural materials and a hand-painted religious scene depicting the Magi worshiping the Mother of God with the baby Jesus. Dating circa 1780. A monstrance, ostensorium, or ostensory is the vessel used in Roman Catholic, Old Catholic, and Anglican churches for the more convenient exhibition of some object of piety, such as the consecrated Eucharistic host during Eucharistic adoration or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It is also used as a reliquary for the public display of relics of some saints. Antique Religious And Spiritual Objects, Catholic Antiques And Collectibles.