Spectacular Solid Silver Ciborium made by Favier. France, XIX Century

This stunning sterling silver ciborium is a French piece made in the 19th century and with hallmarks in all its parts. It comes into an ancient protecting case and is in an impressive condition. The ciborium bears the hallmarks for the French sterling silver and the silversmiths atelier where it was forged: the one belonging to Favier Freres, famous French silversmiths that worked and lived in the 19th century. Almost the whole surface of the piece, from the base to the lid, is decorated with embossed and filigree motives depicting images and icons related to the Christian faith. The bases edge is adorned with different symbols such as the reeds, the nails, the crown of thorns, the wheat stalks and the scourge. The wider part of the base shows off three fine medals depicting the Holy Family: Saint Joseph with the Child, Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. The stem emerges from the base and has a central node embellished with embossed images of three plants related to the Christian cult: the reeds, the wheat and the fig. The two last ones are the symbols of the Eucharistic bread and wine. The cup is beautifully decorated and has small gaps that form an attractive filigree design. The cup is adorned with other three images of Christian characters, in this case three saints. Because of their attributes we can deduce they are Saint Philomena accompanied by an anchor; Saint Liberata with two kids, and probably Saint Barbara, who is holding a chalice that symbolizes her conversion to the Christian faith; though, the cross she is embracing with her right arm raises doubts about her identity. At the lid we can see again the images and symbols of the base; it is crowned by a nice Greek cross. This amazing sterling silver ciborium is a real work of art that would deserve to form part of a museum of antique religious pieces. Measurements: Width: 5.5 in/14 cm. Height: 11.4 in/29 cm.