This spectacular object, the largest example of its kind, was made in part by a great practitioner of his craft over 800 years ago and holds some interesting items removed by a famous ruler from one European city and given to another. To showcase the object and its "royal" contents, an important work of architecture was constructed. What am I talking about, and in which picaresque novel is it claimed that the narrator was somehow responsible for all this artistic elegance?

queproblema

Does the Tower of London figure in this at all? Apr 18 07, 7:08 PM

lanfranco

Nope. Apr 18 07, 7:15 PM

lanfranco

Hmm, I see that I'd better provide a clue. Lie back, close your eyes, breathe deeply -- and imagine the perfumed air of a certain area in Mitteleuropa .... No, don't fall asleep on me, because you'll need to go looking for its highly-relevant coat of arms. Apr 19 07, 6:55 AM

queproblema

The Habsburgs I know, my sinister from my dexter I know, but the last time you said "fragrant" I thought burning flesh when you meant rose petals. So when you say "perfumed air" it can't be the carrion that the black eagle devours. Interesting, though, I was earlier looking at crowns, and there sits one atop the Hungarian coat of arms.... I think I'm only a kibitzer on this one, not a player. Zzzzz.... Apr 19 07, 11:55 AM

lanfranco

Wake up, qp, because crowns are good. So are, er, remains. And when I said "perfumed", I really did mean "pleasant scent." Apr 19 07, 12:22 PM

Spectacles

Cologne. Bones of the three magi (wise men). Stored inside an shrine, the largest reliquary in the western world, made in part by Nicholas of Verdun. The bones were taken from Milan by Holy Roman Emperor Fredrick Barbarossa, and given to Cologne. I ain't got a clue about the novel though... Apr 21 07, 6:47 AM

lanfranco

Spectacles, you've got at least two-thirds of the silver mace waiting for you if you give me a reference site. And if you go looking for one, you just might stumble across that novel and get the entire prize. Apr 21 07, 7:43 AM

Spectacles

http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/shrine-of-the-three-kings-at-cologne-cathedral/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrine_of_the_Three_Kings_at_Cologne_Cathedral "Baudolino" Umberto Eco Apr 21 07, 7:59 AM

lanfranco

Lovely, Spectacles, the silver mace to you! Apr 21 07, 8:56 AM