Tall Neobyzantine Chalice, Sterling Silver And Vermeil, Netherlands 1956

Fabulous Byzantine style chalice in gilt sterling silver. It is hallmarked four times on the cup and four times on the inside of the foot. The date letter tells us that it dates from the year 1956 and that its goldsmith was called Jacques Wijnhovenhoven in Eindhoven. As was sometimes the case during the Art Deco period, the artist allowed himself to be inspired by Byzantine works of art to be able to create an object that was simple in its forms but sumptuous and precious in its decorations. The chalice is very large for this period, its shape is very simple but its decorations are rich and refined. Thick gilding covers its entire hammered surface, the knot is richly worked with cloisonné enamel which is enhanced with precious stones held in a closed setting. The foot is decorated with cloisonné enamels representing Christ on The Cross and the text of the Consecration "Hoc est enim corpus meum." The whole  is in good condition. The total weight is 740 grams.