Impressive Solid Silver Eucharistic Ciborium. France, XIX Century

Gorgeous Eucharistic ciborium made of sterling silver, coming from France and dated in the late 19th century. This ciborium is designed to store the sacred Hosts during the Eucharist, being a real sacred art piece worthy of the best exhibition. The silver is in amazing condition in spite of its ancient age, being marked with several hallmarks in different parts. The design combines gold-plated and plain silver and stands out for its elegant and sober neo-gothic decoration, typical of the time when the ciborium was made. The two hallmarks that appear in this piece are located in the base and the cup and correspond to the silversmiths mark (the letters L and G with a Latin cross) and to the symbol of the French sterling silver (a profile of Minerva goddess). Both testify for the quality and origin of this awesome ciborium. The base is circular and lobe-shaped with schematic floral motives engraved by hand. The top of the base is cone-shaped and mixes fluidly with the stem; decorating its surface we can see a series of symmetrical embossed floral motives. The stem has two nodes: a smaller one below and the main node over it, with nice neo-gothic floral motives engraved in the metal. The cup crowns the piece, being made of gold-plated silver combined with embossed plain silver. The decoration shows some stylized long leaves that open like the chalice of a flower between them emerge embossed flowers just like the ones in the base. The lid that covers this striking antique ciborium boasts the same decoration as the rest of the piece and is crowned by a fine silver cross. Antique and with an imposing presence, this liturgical ciborium will stand out in any exhibition or showcase with examples of sacred art. Measurements: Width: 5.5 in / 14 cm. Height: 10.6 in /27 cm. Weight: 369 g.