France, Antique Silver Ciborium. S. XIX

Striking hand-engraved solid-silver ciborium made in France in the 19th century. The ciborium is made of lean silver but the cup shows off a fine gilded finish that can be seen through the openings of the top part of the piece. This is a religious-handcraft item, wonderfully preserved in spite of being more than one hundred years old. The ciborium bears hallmarks in the cup, the lid and the base; we can see the mark with the profile of Minerva goddess corresponding to French silver articles. The circular base is ample and sturdy. It is decorated with engraved motifs that depict the most usual symbols of Christian tradition: the reeds (symbolizing the Christian faithful that drink from the water of church, as well as the strength and flexibility of Christianity), the wheat stalks and the fig with the grape bunches (that symbolize the Eucharist bread and wine). Between the motifs we can see abstract decorative details with the shape of a stylized scallop. The ciboriums stem is adorned with two nodes of different sizes. The cup is the most beautiful and spectacular part of this antique ciborium. The piece that supports it is die-cut and the gaps make up a lattice; it is also embellished with the same motifs and details as the base. In the part where the cup meets the stem, a series of engraved symmetrical leaves depict a flowers chalice. Through the die-cut gaps we can see the cups fine gold-plated finish. As for the lid that covers the ciborium, it is decorated like the rest of the piece and crowned by an embossed-silver cross that acts as a handle. This antique solid-silver ciborium will shine in a showcase full of the most charismatic pieces. It is a delicate and valuable item that will fill its owner with pride. Measurements: Bases Width: 5.7 in / 14.5 cm. Height: 11.81 in / 30 cm. Top Width: 4.92 in / 12.5 cm. Weight: 538 g.