Extraordinary Antique Chalice in Solid Silver and Enamels by Armand Caillat. Circa 1890

Amazing antique gold-plated solid-silver ciborium, decorated with delicate enamel motifs and in striking condition. This piece for liturgical use comes from France and is dated circa 1890. The ciborium bears the French silver hallmark (Minerva goddesss profile) and the mark of the goldsmith Armand Calliat. It comes in a sober and stylish storing case, original from the time and in excellent condition. This wonderful item stands out for its quality decoration, noble materials and fine making, being an exclusive and beautiful piece. The ciboriums foot has lobed shape and boasts a clearly medieval-inspired design that continues all over the piece. It is decorated with hand-engraved gothic-style motifs and a lot of silver embossed designs enhanced with delicate enamels. The color palette is varied and subtle: white, dark blue, light blue, emerald green, dark red and violet. At the front we can see a small embossed figure depicting the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God, a symbol of Jesus Christ) decorated with white enamel. Over the foot, the stem bears a great main node decorated with a blue band. The band bears a golden Latin inscription reading Panis Enim Dei Est Qui De Caelo Descendit Et Dat Vitam Mundo (This is the Bread of God that Descended from Heaven and Gives Life to the World. John, 6:33). The cups bottom bears a baroque decoration full of enameled motifs and embossed fringes, of the same style as the one which covers the ciboriums foot. We can see a green fringe adorned with flowers, volutes and circles. There are also white and violet leaves, all of them surrounded by silver embossed filigrees. On the other hand, the lid is covered with hand-engraved motifs and the same enameled decoration, as rich as well preserved as in the rest of the ciborium. A gorgeous silver Greek cross crowns the whole piece. This outstanding article can be stored in its original case, an elegant and sturdy black suitcase with brass metalwork and red-velvet lining inside. All lovers of ecclesiastic pieces will find a real treasure in this antique silver ciborium with enameled decoration, an astonishing and charming item. Measurements: Bases Width: 6.10 in / 15.5 cm. Cups Width: 4.33 in / 11 cm. Height: 11.22 in / 28.5 cm. Weight: 1055 g.