Solid Silver And Vermeil Ciborium – Martial Dejean – First Empire, Circa 1798–1809 – Paris

Solid silver and vermeil ciborium – Martial Dejean – First Empire, circa 1798–1809 - Paris

Description

Resting on a wide, stepped circular base, this ciborium features an elegant engraved and chased design of palmettes, foliage, garlands, and plant motifs, characteristic of the Neoclassical decorative style of the period. The ovoid body is also adorned with foliage in relief.

The wide, hemispherical bowl, simple and well-balanced, retains a beautiful mercury gilding (vermeil) on the interior, intended to protect the silver from contact with the Holy Elements. 

It is topped by a domed lid richly engraved with a wreath of flowers and foliage, crowned by a small cross. 

The piece bears several antique hallmarks
The rooster hallmark corresponding to the first fineness standard for French silver from the period 1798–1809
The guarantee hallmark featuring a woman’s head. 
The maker’s mark, consisting of an “M,” a star, and a “D,” is identified as that of Martial Dejean. 

A striking piece of liturgical silverware, notable both for the quality of its decoration and for its substantial weight and precise dating to the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Period: First Empire, circa 1798–1809
Material: solid silver, interior of the cup in vermeil
Silversmith: Martial Dejean
Hallmarks: 1st fineness mark with a rooster, guarantee mark with a woman’s head, and maker’s mark M*D
Height: 26 cm
Weight: 580 g

Condition

In very good overall condition given its age, with signs of use, minor irregularities, and surface wear consistent with a liturgical piece over two centuries old. The interior gilding is still well-preserved.

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