EXCEPTIONAL ANTIQUE FRENCH STERLING SILVER CIBORIUM / CHALICE – LATE 19TH CENTURY
A magnificent and highly decorative French ecclesiastical silver ciborium, or chalice, dating from the late 19th century. An impressive example of the refined craftsmanship of French religious silverwork, this exceptional liturgical vessel combines elaborate repoussé decoration, finely pierced ornamentation, and elegant architectural proportions.
The piece rests upon a substantial circular stepped foot with a finely moulded border. The upper surface is richly adorned with an intricate repoussé composition of aquatic plants, foliage, floral rosettes, and elegant lanceolate leaves, all set against a finely guilloché ground and framed within a distinctive polylobed border.
The beautifully proportioned stem is centred by a pronounced torus-shaped knop accompanied by a decorative collar, supporting the hemispherical bowl. The bowl is enclosed within a finely pierced and repoussé false cup, elaborately ornamented with scrolling floral motifs that lend the piece an impressive sense of depth and movement.
The domed cover continues the elaborate decorative language of the vessel, repeating the characteristic polylobed ornamentation and culminating in a finely crafted fleuronnée cross. The attention to detail extends to every component, including the cross, which also bears the appropriate French Minerve hallmark.
The ciborium is marked with Minerve hallmarks for French silver and is attributed to the distinguished French silversmiths Favier Frères, renowned for their production of fine ecclesiastical and liturgical silverware.
With its imposing presence, exceptional ornamental detail, and distinguished French silver provenance, this remarkable piece would make a superb addition to a serious collection of antique French silver, ecclesiastical art, Catholic religious objects, or 19th-century liturgical antiques.
A rare opportunity to acquire an impressive piece of French religious silverwork combining historical character, sophisticated craftsmanship, and exceptional decorative appeal.