19th Century French Silver-gilt Vermeil And Gem-set Ciborium, Circa 1850

19th Century French Silver-Gilt Vermeil and Gem-Set Ciborium, circa 1850

An exceptionally decorative 19th-century French ecclesiastical ciborium, finely crafted in silver-gilt vermeil and enriched throughout with hand-engraved ornament and numerous red cabochon and faceted gemstone accents.

Standing an impressive 34 cm (13.4 inches) high, this substantial liturgical vessel displays the elaborate craftsmanship associated with French ecclesiastical silverwork of the period. With a weight of approximately 620 grams, the piece has considerable presence and is particularly striking as a decorative object as well as an important example of historic church silver.

The ciborium rises from a broad six-lobed pedestal base measuring approximately 16 cm (6.3 inches) across. The base is extensively decorated with hand-engraved Gothic-inspired foliate and scrolling motifs, with contrasting polished gilt surfaces and silver-toned recessed decoration creating a rich two-tone appearance. Individual gemstone accents are positioned around the base.

A slender architectural stem rises to an ornate central knop, worked in high relief with geometric and stylised foliate ornament and further embellished with red stones.

Above sits the generously proportioned hemispherical bowl. Particularly impressive is the applied jewelled swag or garland decoration encircling the exterior, formed as a succession of scrolling gilt elements punctuated by numerous deep red stones. The openwork and engraved decoration beneath provides further depth and visual complexity.

The fitted domed cover continues the elaborate decorative scheme of the body, with finely engraved foliate ornament and additional applied detailing. It culminates in an elevated jewelled mount surmounted by a beautifully formed openwork cross finial, giving the ciborium its commanding overall silhouette.

The combination of silver-gilt surfaces, contrasting engraved silver decoration and jewel-like red accents gives the piece an exceptionally rich appearance characteristic of high-quality French ecclesiastical metalwork of the 19th century.

A magnificent and highly decorative example of French Gothic Revival church silver, suitable for an important collection of ecclesiastical art, European silver or 19th-century decorative arts.

Details

Origin: France

Period: 19th Century

Date: Circa 1850

Type: Ecclesiastical Ciborium / Liturgical Vessel

Material: Silver-Gilt / Vermeil

Decoration: Hand engraving, applied ornament and red gemstone accents

Height: Approximately 34 cm / 13.4 inches

Base Width: Approximately 16 cm / 6.3 inches

Weight: Approximately 620 grams

Finial: Openwork cross

Style: French Gothic Revival / Ecclesiastical

A visually spectacular piece of 19th-century French religious silver, distinguished by its impressive proportions, elaborate hand workmanship and unusually rich jewelled decoration.