Antique Gilded Solid-Silver Chalice. Extraordinary. France, 19th Century

Amazing gold-plated solid-silver chalice, an extraordinary item made in France in the 19th century. This chalice is entirely made of high-quality silver and boasts a fine gold-plated finish. It also has hallmarks in all its parts. It is a big-sized piece covered with hand-engraved motifs, full of detail. The chalices foot is ample and circular in shape: it is divided in three sections separated by motifs depicting grape bunches (symbolizing the Eucharistic wine) . The images that we can see in the sections are quite rare in these pieces. The images depict three scenes of the life of Jesus Christ. We can see His birth in Bethlehem, His baptism in river Jordan (with Saint John) and the Crucifixion. We could say that these scenes depict Jesuss two births (real and spiritual) and His death. The chalices stem keeps the same decorative style as the foot, being covered of a profusion of embossed and engraved motifs, adorns and fringes. It has three secondary nodes and a main one, bigger in size and decorated with the Eucharistic symbols: wheat stalks and bunches of grapes, reflections of the bread and the wine (Jesus Christs Body and Blood) and a third with reeds, symbol of the People of God and also the strength and flexibility of Christianity. The secondary nodes are embellished with abstract borders and symmetrical leaves which create a delicate and elegant effect. The cups base is divided in three sections which contain embossed busts of Saint Joseph, Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary. These images are beautiful, delicately performed and with fine relaxed expressions. Between them we can see again the grape bunches and the wheat stalks; there is another motif depicting some reeds. These plants symbolize the People of God. The cup shows off an openwork decoration, with gaps that let us see the lean cup sustained by this part. Both the chalices foot and cup bear hallmarks which testify for the pieces original and the quality of the silver. The chalice comes with its original paten, also made of solid silver and with its corresponding hallmarks. This amazing gold-plated solid-silver chalice is an extraordinary piece. One of the most beautiful antique chalices we have had the occasion to admire. Dimensions: Chalice: Foots Width: 6.3 in / 16 cm. Height: 12.8 in / 32.5 cm. Cups Width: 3.75 in / 9.5 cm. Weight: 545 g. Paten: Diameter: 6.3 in / 16 cm. Weight: 105 g. Total Weight: 600 g.