Spectacular set of solid silver chalice and paten, antique and of great beauty.

Outstanding antique sterling-silver chalice with an elaborate decoration, performed by hand and with a powerful decorative potential. The chalice comes with is paten, also made of silver, and was manufactured in France in the 19th century. Both pieces are wonderfully preserved and bear hallmarks in all their parts that testify for the quality, ancient age and origin of the set. The chalice draws powerfully our attention for its complicated decoration, full of embossed gold-plated-silver motives that depict different scenes and symbols related to Christian faith. The chalices ample base shows three important scenes of the New Testament: the flight to Egypt on a donkey, the moment when Jesus Christ washes the Apostles feet and the Crucifixion. The scenes are performed with multiple details and boast a surprising beauty. They are separated by embossed angels heads and framed by a fringe composed of winged putti and Eucharistic symbols (figs and wheat stalks). The stem bears three nodes: two smaller ones and a big one profusely decorated with more angels and figs with grape bunches. The cup is also very remarkable. The base that supports the recipient is made of filigree-molded silver and shows images of the Sacred Family separated by reeds (a classic Christian symbol) and grape bunches. Both the base and the cup bear hallmarks and so does the paten. This piece does not reach the baroque decorative strength of the chalice but is beautiful too. It bears the engraved HIS acronym framed by a crown of thorns. For its beauty, quality and ancient age, this wonderful sterling-silver chalice deserves to become part of a great collection of religious art. Measurements: Chalice: Bases Width: 5.9 in / 15 cm. Height: 10.6 in / 27 cm. Weight: 360 g. Paten: 6.1 in / 16 cm diam. Weight: 117 g.