Irish Sterling Silver Ciborium - Antique Edwardian (1907)

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian Irish sterling silver ecclesiastical ciborium; an addition to our religious silverware collection This exceptional antique Edwardian Irish sterling silver ciborium*/ecclesiastical chalice has a circular rounded form onto a waisted knopped pedestal, to a circular domed foot. The surface of this antique ciborium is plain with an applied bead decorated border to the upper portion. This exceptional ciborium retains the original sterling silver domed, push fit cover encircled with an impressive embossed scrolling fruiting vine ornamentation, all on a matte background. The cover is surmounted with an impressive sterling silver finial, modelled in the form of a stylised cross above a plain ball motif. The protruding circular rounded knop to the pedestal is embellished with further scrolling vine ornamentation. The exceptional foot of the chalice is encircled with further grape vine ornamentation, reflecting that of the cover and incorporating the embossed initials 'Ihs'**. The opposing surface of the base features an embossed Celtic cross design. The interior of this exceptional ciborium retains the original gilding. * A ciborium is a shrine style cup with a cover used to hold the Eucharist (otherwise known as Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, Mass, Blessed Sacrament and Breaking of Bread). ** Ihs comes from the first three letters of the Latinised version 'Ihsous' of the Greek spelling 'ΙΗΣΟΥΣ', which translates as the Holy Name of Jesus. Many perceive these initials to delineate the Latin phrase 'Iesus Hominum Salvator' meaning 'Jesus the Saviour of all Men', which is not historically accurate. Dimensions Diameter of rim 12.1cm/4.8" Diameter of base 14.3cm/5.6" Height 24.3cm/9.6" Weight 17.8 troy ounces/552g Maker: Samuel Le Bas Date: 1907 Origin: Dublin, Ireland