Antique Ciborium. Solid Silver Gilt. France, XIX Century

Fine antique solid-silver ciborium made in France in the 19th century, in really good condition. This is an amazing religious-silversmith piece which stands out for its elegant neo-gothic decoration and sober design. The ciborium shows off a medieval charm, very austere, that makes a fine contrast with the rich gold-plated silver it is made of. The engraved decoration enhances the mixture between gold-plated and lean silver, creating a subtle and original effect that increases the pieces beauty. The ciborium bears hallmarks in all its parts: we can see the silversmiths mark and the one for the French silver, a profile of Minerva goddess. The lobed base has a counterweigh piece embedded at the bottom, also with a gold-plated finish. This piece bears an engraved inscription which reads FAMILLE JOUVE RANCON, probably ordered by the family of the priest who was given the ciborium when he ordained as such. The bases exposed face bears another inscription, AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM (to the Greater Glory of God), over a shield with the monogram MA. Under this shield we can see two delicate flowery branches, the flowers in lean silver. The bases sections are decorated with fine wavy designs depicting monograms and volutes. The part where the stem meets the ciborium base is embellished with a bunch of fine embossed flowers, made of lean silver and mixed with leaves. Over them we can see the bulb-shaped central node, decorated with delicate lean-silver flowers too. Some of the bulbs sections bear subtle and schematic engraved motifs. Last but not least, the top cup is fully decorated with engraved lance-shaped leaves; between the leaves there are small symmetrical flowers. The lid which crowns the ciborium also boasts fine engraved flowers, similar to the ones stated before, and a gorgeous Greek cross at the top. Austere and nostalgic, this antique gold-plated solid-silver ciborium will stand out for its balanced design and delicate decoration. Measurements: Bases Width: 6.10 in / 15.5 cm. Height: 12.20 in / 31 cm. Cups Width: 5.31 in / 13.5 cm. Weight: 918 g (without the counterweight piece: around 600 g).