Vermeil Ciborium – Paris, 1846–1865 – Joseph-philippe-adolphe Dejean – Paris

Vermeil ciborium – Joseph-Philippe-Adolphe Dejean – Paris, 1846–1865

Vermeil ciborium, a mid-19th-century Parisian piece crafted by goldsmith Joseph-Philippe-Adolphe Dejean, who was active in Paris during the July Monarchy and the Second Empire.

Description

The piece features rich repoussé, chiseled, and engraved decoration with a Eucharistic theme. The wide circular base is adorned with lanceolate leaves, foliage, and grape clusters—motifs directly associated with the Eucharistic wine. The pear-shaped knob echoes this botanical vocabulary in a lavishly crafted design.

The bowl, simple and polished, contrasts elegantly with the decorative vermeil elements. The domed lid is adorned with sheaves of wheat and bunches of grapes, symbols of the consecrated bread and wine during the Eucharist. It is crowned by an ornate cross with a radiating design.

Several hallmarks are visible, notably
the hallmark featuring the head of Minerva, 1st standard, certifying silver of legal French fineness
and the maker’s mark of Joseph-Philippe-Adolphe Dejean.
According to the identification details accompanying the piece, his silversmith’s hallmark is registered for the period 1846–1865, which allows us to precisely date the ciborium’s creation to the mid-19th century.

A beautiful piece of French religious silverwork, particularly decorative due to the quality of its repoussé work and the richness of its Eucharistic iconography.

Period: mid-19th century, circa 1846–1865
Origin: Paris, France
Silversmith: Joseph-Philippe-Adolphe Dejean
Material: solid silver and vermeil
Hallmarks: Minerva 1st title and master’s mark
Height: 28 cm
Weight: 385 g

Condition:

In good overall condition, with slight signs of use, minor scratches, and wear on the gilding consistent with the object’s age and liturgical use.

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