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How did Gothic metalworkers use architectural forms in shrines and other religious objects?

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Plaque showing a warrior and attendants — metalwork Warrior and attendants plaque, brass relief sculpture by Edo artists in the court of the kingdom of Benin (now Nigeria), 16th–17th century; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.

During the Gothic period, metalworkers frequently used architectural forms as a fundamental basis for the design of precious religious objects, effectively creating miniature structures in metal.1

Shrines and reliquaries were often modeled as Gothic chapels in miniature. These elaborate pieces incorporated key architectural elements such as:1

Pointed Arches: These were used to frame figures of saints, mirroring the structural aesthetic of contemporary cathedrals.1
Clustered Columns: These served as decorative and structural supports within the design of the objects.1
Turrets: Small turrets were frequently included to enhance the architectural appearance of the shrines.1

This practice of translating building styles into metalwork was widespread, with English pieces often following these same architectural patterns. By the end of the Middle Ages, the influence of architectural styles became even more pronounced, with national characteristics emerging: English metalwork reflected the geometric patterns of the Perpendicular style, while French work adopted the fragile elegance of the Flamboyant style.1