Antique Spanish Solid Silver Ciborium. Holy Family. Spain Circa 1920

Beautiful Spanish ciborium from around the year 1920, entirely made in silver and rather compact in size, but with magnificent presence. It is a piece of sober lines, very balanced and especially pleasant because of the cleanliness of its design, which leaves all the prominence to the quality of the metal, the harmony of its proportions and the devotional decoration of the base. Although it does not present visible hallmarks, the silver is confirmed by silver test carried out on all its parts, so the material is confirmed. The interior of the cup also preserves its gilding in very good condition, a detail always important in this type of liturgical pieces.

The circular base concentrates the most decorative and also the most personal part of the ciborium. On it appear the monograms of Jesus, Mary and Saint Joseph, forming a decorative ensemble clearly dedicated to the Holy Family. The monogram of Jesus, with the incorporated cross, occupies one of the main fronts. That of Mary is presented with a rose and with a very elegant intertwined design, and that of Saint Joseph is accompanied by his most recognizable attribute, the lily. Between these motifs are distributed small heads of winged cherubs, which enrich the surface without overloading it and give the whole a very successful devotional air. Everything is resolved with restrained but very beautiful ornamentation, which fits perfectly with the character of the piece.

The stem is slender and stylized, with a simple molded knop, following the same sober line as the rest of the ciborium. That decorative restraint benefits it greatly, because it reinforces the sensation of elegance and makes the piece visually clean, serious and very easy to appreciate. The cup, with rounded and generous profile, is completed with its matching lid. On the edge appears a twisted rope border that provides a small but very effective ornamental accent.

The upper finial is formed by a cross with three carved and faceted natural stones, of beautiful red tone, semi-transparent and with visible natural inclusions, a detail that reinforces its appeal. Because of their appearance they could most probably correspond to garnets rather than rubies, although this identification should be taken with caution. The fourth point appears without finial, a detail that could be original or perhaps correspond to an old missing element still awaiting replacement.

The general condition is very good and in accordance with what may be expected in a liturgical piece of this period. The silver presents very good appearance, with fine presence and very beautiful aspect. The interior gilding, as mentioned, is especially well preserved. If any observation had to be pointed out, it would precisely be the already mentioned detail of the cross finial, although it cannot be stated with complete certainty that it is actually a loss, since it may have originally been like this.

Because of its size, this is a ciborium especially appropriate for a chapel, a small oratory or a parish of reduced dimensions. It is also a very attractive piece for a collection of Spanish religious silverwork from the first third of the 20th century. Its confirmed silver, its iconography dedicated to the Holy Family and its beautiful balance between sobriety and devotion make it a very rewarding acquisition. It is moreover a piece with authentic liturgical usefulness and with the charm of fine antique goldsmith work, conceived to last and continue fulfilling its function during the Eucharist.

Measurements: Height: 22.5 cm (8.86 in). Diameter of the cup: 8 cm (3.15 in). Diameter of the base: 10.5 cm (4.13 in). Weight: 366 g. (12.91 oz.)