Antique Spanish Chalice in Solid Silver. With Case. Barcelona, Spain, XIX Century

Nostalgic and antique Spanish solid-silver chalice with ancient storing case. This chalice is a very antique piece which comes from Barcelona, Spain and is dated in the 19th century. It is fully covered of engraved iconographic images; this is quite a rare and special decoration, as instead of depicting portraits of saints or virtues the engraved motifs depict the Arma Christi. This is a generic name for the symbols of the objects and tools used during Jesus Christs martyrdom. These symbols started being adored during the Low Middle Age and appear in many works or art and in many craft items. At the chalices foot we can see images of the dice with which the soldiers threw in order to decide who would take Christs clothes, the flagellation column and the lance and sponge used to martyr him. On the other hand, the cup shows the Cross with the shroud, the seamless tunic (which was put on Jesus by Herod Antipas) and a horn with the inscription SPQR symbolizing the Roman Empire. The images are simple and linear, but are also very graphic. At the bottom of the chalice there is a counterweigh piece; except for it, the rest of the item is made of quality silver. The paten is a simple disk with no decoration at all, made of solid silver too. Both the paten and the chalice bear hallmarks but they are quite worn by the trace of time. As for the storing case, it is a wooden rectangular box covered outside by a gorgeous paper printed in colors. Inside the case has a gap with the chalices shape which prevents it from moving when moved. Mysterious an appealing, this antique Spanish solid-silver chalice will shine in the best collection of sacred and religious art. Measurements: Foots Width: 5.4 in / 13.5 cm. Height: 9.6 in / 24 cm. Cups Width: 3.12 in / 7.8 cm. Weight: 615 cm. Paten: Diameter: 5.4 in / 13.5 cm. Weight: 90 g.