Antique Solid Silver Ciborium. Lyon, France, 1819-1838.

Awesome antique solid-silver ciborium made in Lyon (France) between 1819 and 1838. The ciborium is wonderfully preserved and stands out for its imposing designs, as well as for the beautiful engraved decoration that embellishes its surface. The cross that crowns the lid is slightly bent but it can be easily straightened if wished. All the ciboriums parts are made of 950 silver and bear their corresponding hallmarks: we can see the one for the Lyon silver and the silversmiths mark. These marks were used in France between the years stated before so we can date the ciborium quite precisely. The ciboriums base is circular in shape and is divided in regular sections. Each section contains a hand-embossed motive related to Christian iconography. One section contains a triangle emerging from a group of clouds and surrounded by light beams; it is the classic symbol for God. The other two alternate sections show images of the Tables of the Law and the Sacred Hearts. Between these symbols we can see groups of grape bunches, wheat stalks and reeds; these plants are all related with Eucharist and Christianity. The ciboriums stem is composed of several overlayed nodes with different shapes and sizes. The bottom node is smaller than the rest and is decorated with a simple fringe composed of circular shapes. Over this node we can see the main one, embellished by symmetrical and schematic leaves. The cup that crowns the item bears no engraved decoration at all; it only shows the hallmarks stated before, wonderfully preserved. The lid is decorated with a central group of engraved leaves (similar to those of the main node) and three simple flowers as its only decoration. Superb, antique and top-of-the end, this amazing solid-silver ciborium will shine in a good collection of religious art. Measurements: Bases Width: 4,92 in / 12.5 cm. Height: 10.27 in / 26 cm. Cups Width: 4.13 in / 10.5 cm. Weight: 290 g.