Richly decorated silver metal chalice, with... - Lot 1042 - Iegor

Richly decorated silver metal chalice, with a more plain gilded metal paten. The chalice contains the wine of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, which symbolises the blood of Christ which he shed for the salvation of the world. The cup of the chalice, which can be screwed onto the large base, is divided into two removable parts. The mouth of the cup is flared outwards. The base, which fits onto the lower part of the cup, is richly decorated. There are three medallions in which the members of the Holy Family can be recognised. These are interspersed with vegetal decorations. The wheat represents Christ. Like Christ, it is the seed that must die on earth to germinate and multiply life. It also provides the flour from which bread is made, which is the body of Christ in the Eucharist. We also see a vine, a sacred plant that produces wine, the beverage that represents the blood of Christ at the Eucharist. Finally, there are reeds, a symbol of the Passion of Christ. The base has the same motifs, but presents three important scenes in the life of Christ on the lower dome. We see his birth in the stable, then his fall when he carries the cross. Finally, we see his crucifixion. The paten is used to receive the Eucharistic bread, which represents the body of Christ. It is golden in colour. On the back is the monogram IHS (which takes the Greek triliteral monogram IHΣ to mean the name of Jesus, or IHΣOYΣ). A large Latin cross can be seen rising in the centre of the H. Rays emanate from its centre. The whole piece is circled by the famous crown of thorns of Christ, worn during the Passion. Hight of the chalice : 30cm / 11 3/4" Diameter of the paten : 14,5cm / 5 3/4"