Editing Shrine of the Three Kings (section)

===Decoration===
The entire outside of the shrine is covered with an elaborate decorative overlay.  There are 74 [[high relief]] figures in [[silver-gilt]] in all, not counting smaller additional figures in the background decoration. On the sides, images of the [[prophet]]s decorate the lower part, while images of the [[Twelve apostles|apostles]] and [[Four Evangelists|evangelist]]s decorate the upper part.  It contains 304 engraved gems, where 142 of these gems have belonged to its initial embellishments.<ref name=":0" /> It is encircled by offertory candles and by twenty-four lamps. A grand chandelier hangs above the shrine that symbolizes the Heavenly Jerusalem.<ref name=":1" />

A removable trapezoid allows the viewer to see the relics through a latticed opening. Supported by angels and dominating the center until 1574 was the large Ptolemy cameo. The function of these angels were to have been the holy messengers of God the Father when they were seen beside Christ holding a [[chalice]], [[paten]], and [[diadem]].<ref name=":1" />

==== Front ====
The front of the shrine, completed sometime after 1200, resembles that of a cathedral with a high central midpoint. The figures located here are made of pure gold.<ref name=":0" /> This area contains the most precious gems, though they had been stolen in the 16th century. Across the bottom, from left to right, are images of the [[Adoration of the Magi in Art|Adoration of the Magi]], the [[Virgin Mary]] enthroned with the infant Jesus, and the [[Baptism of Jesus|Baptism of Christ]], and above, Christ enthroned at the [[Last Judgment]]. A removable filigree panel reveals a grille displaying the names of Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. When the grille is removed, the skulls of the three Magi are shown wearing crowns.<ref name=":0" />
[[File:Köln Dreikönigsschrein.JPG|thumb|Front of the Shrine with the trapezoid plate]]
The present front has been remodeled since the original design made by Nicolas of Verdun. However, the original plan for it is unknown.<ref name=":0" /> The Ptolemy cameo, the angels, and the row of crowns in the spandrels have been cleared away; however, the figure of Otto IV remains unchanged except for his little gold box that he is holding.<ref name=":1" />

==== Back ====
The back is similar in appearance to the two reliquaries on top. The relics of the three Kings are arranged in the bottom part of the shrine whereas [[martyr]]s [[Nabor and Felix|Felix and Nabor]] are located in the smaller upper part. There are 74 [[high relief]] figures in [[silver-gilt]] in all, not counting smaller additional figures in the background decoration. The surface is divided into 3 zones: lower, middle and upper zones. The standing figure of [[Jeremiah]] separates the events of [[Flagellation]] and [[Crucifixion]] in the lower zone. Above the lower zone, the middle zone, contains the portrait bust of [[Rainald of Dassel]], the [[Archbishop of Cologne]]. In the upper zone, the resurrected Christ is seen crowning the martyrs Felix and Nabor. [[Christ in Majesty]] is shown holding the [[Book of Life]] in his left hand whilst his right hand is held high for an act of judgment. The inscription reads along the inner band of the gable:<ref name=":1" />

"ADVENIO DIGNOS SALVARE FERIRE MALIGNOS ERGO BONI METITE FELICIA GAVDIA VITE ITE REI VOS IRA DEI TRANSMITTIT IN IGN<u>em</u> QUISQ<u>ue</u> METIT QUOD P<u>ro</u>MERVIT SUB IUDICE IVSTO."<ref name=":1" />

==== Sides ====
On the lateral sides, there are two series of aches that join the upper and lower levels. The figures of the prophets decorate the lower part, while the apostles and evangelists decorate the upper part, are all identified by their inscriptions and made of gilded silver. A cherub whose name is Plentinudo Scientiae (Abundant Wisdom) is seated in the middle of the apostles, while a seraph named Ardens Caritate (Ardent Sacred Love) sits on the other side.<ref name=":1" />