Relic jar with sealed wax lid

Technology

Helical computed tomography

System

Micro-CT

Technical challenge

Map the different materials and layers within the object.

Objective

Examine the bones and paper remnants the jar purportedly contains, without damaging the closed wax sealing.

 

The glass reliquary is covered with a lid of yellow wax. Affixed to the top is a seal made of red wax.

© Fraunhofer IIS
© Fraunhofer IIS
A three-dimensional scan digitizes the reliquary for the owner’s object catalog.
Der Röntgen-Scan eines Reliquienglases mit gesiegeltem Wachsdeckel macht eingeschlossene Objekte sichtbar.
© Fraunhofer IIS
The high-resolution X-ray scan makes it possible to clearly see enclosed objects that have a different density.
© Fraunhofer IIS
Because it is possible to exert precise control over the X-ray beam, even the features of the seal atop the jar, which differ only slightly from their surroundings, can be seen clearly.