Antique Gilt-Silver Chalice with Filigrees and Enamels. France, Circa 1880

Fine antique gilt-silver chalice with filigrees and enamels, made in France circa 1880 and in very good condition. The chalice shows a gorgeous design, quite balanced and with a great contrast between the shiny silver and the colorful enamels of the foot and the node. The foot is decorated with three almond-shaped medallions with enameled images of the Sacred Family: Jesus on the Cross, Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph with his attribute (the lily). The enamels are beautiful, performed in detail and with a striking color palette. The one which depicts Saint Joseph show some hairlines, but they are only hairlines, but has no flaws and is complete. Scattered between the medallions we can see lovely gilt-silver filigrees with the image of a rare winged fawn or female deer. The chalices stem is divided in curved sections and has two nodes: the main one has three enamels with geometrical motifs. Over the node, the gorgeous filigree subcup reproduces the decoration of the foot, but in these case there are birds instead of deer. At the cups edge and the foot we can see the French silver hallmark and the silversmiths mark, which guarantee the chalices quality. The paten is made of gilt silver and bears the mark of Demarques Freres. This amazing antique gilt-silver chalice with filigrees and enamels is a great example of artistic silverwork which combines beauty and spirituality. Dimensions: Chalice: Foots Width: 6.5 in / 16.5 cm. Cups Width: 3.78 in / 9.6 cm. Height:9.48 in / 25 cm. Weight: 517 g. Paten: Diameter: 5.31 in / 13.5 cm. Weight: 65 g. Total Weight: 582 g.