Exceptional Antique Gilt-Silver Ciborium with Precious Stones. France, 19th Century

Exceptional gilt-silver ciborium with precious stones made in France in the 19th century, in fine condition. The ciborium is an amazing piece, both for its ancient age and gorgeous design and decoration. It has hallmarks at the foot and the cup, including the antique French silver mark and the silversmiths mark (with the initials PRF, an anchor and a cross). The stem and the cup are adorned with stones in two shades of green, probably jades or tourmalines. The decoration also includes some real pearls, whose iridescent white color makes a perfect match with the gilt silver and the green stones. The ciboriums foot is circular and ample, and is composed of flutes which converge at the stem. This is embellished with embossed Pompeiian-style motifs and stones in different sizes, disposed in horizontal bands. The top band includes some pearls; there are some stones missing, but most of them remain. At the cup we can see similar embossed motifs and a series of embedded big stones; at the bottom, it shows an engraved decoration composed of symmetrical leaves, orderly disposed. The lid is adorned with four stones, embossed motifs and a Latin cross which acts as a handle. This exceptional gilt-silver ciborium with precious stones will stand out during the mass, or as part of a great collection of sacred art. Dimensions: Foots Width: 5.31 in / 13.5 cm. Cups Width: 4.52 in / 11.5 cm. Height: 11.41 in / 13.5 cm. Weight: 730 g.