Silver Chalice, France (or Italy), 18th Century

Cast, embossed and chased silver chalice, resting on a stepped circular base decorated with Eucharistic symbols – ears of wheat and bunches of grapes – and a central cross.
The baluster-shaped knot is adorned with a band of small lanceolate leaves, highlighted with gadroons and a frieze of laurel leaves. These same ornamental motifs are found on the bottom of the cup, embellished with leafy festoons.
Gilded interior of the cup.
A fine example of European religious goldwork, without marks,  executed by an unidentified master and datable to the last quarter of the 18th century. Accompanied by a non-contemporary gilt silver paten, engraved with the monogram IHS and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, bearing the hallmarks of the 2nd rooster (guarantee hallmark in use in France between 1809 and 1819).

Height: 26 cm
Weight: 475 g