Antique Gilded Silver Art Deco Paten, France Circa 1920

Elegant and sober, this antique French liturgical paten, crafted in solid silver with gilded finish, is a true gem of religious silversmithing from the Art Deco period. Its approximate dating, around 1920, coincides with a phase of aesthetic renewal in European sacred art, where cleaner lines and direct symbolism replaced the ornate excesses of the previous century.

The circular piece with its refined design stands out for its harmonious composition. At the center, a contrasting silver medallion delicately depicts the scene of the Last Supper: Christ at the center blessing the bread, flanked by two apostles. The table bears the Chi-Rho symbol (XP), accompanied by the Alpha and Omega letters, an unmistakable sign of the beginning and the end, representing Christ's eternity. This deeply Christological symbol is fully integrated into the Eucharistic iconography.

A stylized Greek cross, finely engraved into the gilded surface surrounding the medallion, serves as both aesthetic and theological reinforcement of the liturgical nature of the piece. The golden background provides radiance and solemnity, drawing the eye to the central scene. This combination of sobriety and symbolic detail is typical of interwar sacred art, especially in France, where a remarkable production of devotional objects of high technical and artistic quality flourished.

With a diameter of 14.8 cm and an inner ring of 11.5 cm, this paten is perfectly proportioned for use with wide-mouthed chalices, especially of Roman style. Weighing 147 grams, it has a solid and well-balanced structure. Official French hallmarks are clearly visible on the edge, guaranteeing its authenticity and fabrication in solid silver.

The condition is excellent. The gilding is vibrant and uniform, without loss of brilliance, and the reverse shows only slight traces of liturgical use. There are no restorations or deformations, making it suitable for immediate use or inclusion in a collection of sacred objects.

This piece would be perfect to reintroduce into church use, adding dignity and beauty to the Eucharistic celebration. It would also stand out as a display item in a collection specialized in 20th-century religious silversmithing.

A magnificent opportunity to acquire an original piece with history, quality, and deep symbolic meaning.

Dimensions: 14.8 cm (5.83 in) total diameter, 11.5 cm (4.53 in) inner ring. Weight: 147 g.

History of Liturgical Patens

The paten is one of the oldest liturgical objects used in the Christian Church. Its origins date back to the early centuries of Christianity, when it served as a small plate to hold the consecrated bread during Mass. From the 4th century onwards, with the consolidation of the Eucharistic rite, the paten adopted a more standardized form, usually circular and made of precious metals.

During the Middle Ages, patens were crafted in gold, silver, or gilded copper, often with inlays of precious stones or enamel, sometimes depicting scenes from Christ’s life or Eucharistic symbols. In the Baroque period, they became more decoratively complex, but with the arrival of the 20th century and the Art Deco movement, the designs were simplified to recover pure symbolism and function.

France, with its rich tradition in religious silverwork, became a major center of production in this field, with specialized workshops supplying both local parishes and international churches. Gilded silver offered durability, beauty, and dignity for worship.

Patens were typically designed to accompany a specific chalice, so their diameter could vary. The combination of Greek cross and figurative medallion was common in the 1920s and 1930s, a period of spiritual and artistic rebuilding after World War I. Today, these pieces retain their sacred function and are also highly appreciated by collectors and connoisseurs of sacred art for their refined aesthetics and excellent craftsmanship.

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