Precious Antique Chalice, Favier Brothers. France, Circa 1900

Astonishing antique bejeweled chalice with its paten, complete and with a superb design. It comes from France and is dated circa 1900. Both pieces bear the Favier-Frères (Favier Brothers) hallmark; they were hugely famous French goldsmiths whose works of art are considered true treasures. This concrete chalice is a really remarkable piece for its rich design and making: the silver is adorned with authentic cabochon stones with beautiful colors, all of them original from the time. The item boasts a wonderful neo-gothic style of clear medieval inspiration; its powerful personality will never remain unseen. The chalices circular base has molded edge and dotted surface. We can see six lobes framing the stem, each one containing a stone (garnets and red spinels disposed in an alternate way) except for the front one. This contains an embossed Latin cross adorned with turquoises and a central moonstone. The stem is decorated with engraved pointed arches and flowers, and has a main node with embedded turquoises, spinels and garnets. Crowning the chalice we can see the silver cup, whose base is adorned by a fine motif with lanced leaves and embossed flowers. This motif is also decorated with garnets. The cup bears two hallmarks near the edge: the Favier brothers hallmark (FF, Favier Freres) and the French silver mark with the profile of Minerva goddess. The paten that comes with the chalice is a remarkably simple piece, made of gold-plated silver and with the Favier brothers hallmark too. Its only decoration is the hand-engraved circular-shaped Greek cross that we can see at the base. The chalice comes in an antique case with a rich bright-red satin interior lining. The Favier signature is a guarantee of quality. This antique solid-silver bejeweled chalice is a good sample of the wonderful work performed by the famous goldsmith and will surely shine in any collection of religious art. Measurements: Chalice: Bases Width: 5.90 in / 15 cm. Cups Width: 3.93 in / 10 cm. Height: 9 in / 23 cm. Weight: 510 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.51 in / 14 cm. Weight: 131 g.Favier Silversmiths - History The hallmark with the word FAVIER corresponds to the company founded in 1824 by two brothers, François and Andre-Michel Favier. The workshop was located in Lyon. Both were great silversmiths; their workshop produced sacred-art articles such as chalices, patens, cruets and ciboria. Their works are considered state-of-the-art items and are usually found in the best collections and in the treasures of important churches and cathedrals. The pieces with the Favir mark are usually characterized by a profoundly religious feel; in the beginning they were clearly inspired by mediaeval images. With the trace of time the company followed more advanced artistic movements such as symbolism or modernism. The family business was active until 1976.