CHALICE

On view in: Icon Room

About this object

The cup is in parcel gilt and set in an openwork basketwork design of an all over fretwork with a garland around the upper portion. Affixed to the fretwork are four, slightly raised oval medallions, each surmounted by a cross-topped crown with scenes in niello. In these medallions are: 1) Christ on the cross with a view of Jerusalem in the background (inscribed [Cyrillic] BG" and [Greek] IC XC); 2) the Mother of God (inscribed: [Cyrillic/Greek] MP ThU); 3) Christ in Majesty holding the book and blessing (inscribed [Greek] IC XC); and, 4) St. John the Baptist (inscribed [Cyrillic] S IOAN N" P). The background of each nielloed plaque is in silver gilt and is engraved to echo the pattern of the fretwork. The central portion is baluster-shaped. The base has a baroque design in repoussé with the heads of two cherubs in clouds and various decorative motifs, all in silver on a gilt ground. There are four oval medallions, each surmounted by a cross-topped crown. These medallions have scenes in niello on a gilt ground: 1) Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane (inscribed [Greek] IC XC); 2) Christ before Herod (inscribed [Greek] IC XC); 3) Christ crowned with thorns (inscribed [Greek] IC XC); and, 4) Christ and the two thieves carrying each a cross on the way to Calvary (inscribed [Greek] IC XC). Around the lip of the cup runs the inscription [translated], partly hidden by openwork setting, as follows: "Accept the Body of Christ, Taste the Immortal Source."

Object name:: CHALICE
Made from:: Silver -- parcel gilt -- niello
Made in:: Moscow, Russia
Date made:: ca. 1795
Size:: 34.3 × 18.4 cm (13 1/2 × 7 1/4 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:: 12.84
Class:: SILVER
Signature marks:: maker's mark [Cyrillic] M Ts S On underside of foot between Flagellation and Christ b/f Herod. In a trefoil frame. Mark of an unknown master active ca. 1793-95, Postnikova-Loseva #2695. Hallmark [St. George] On underside of foot between Flagellation and Christ b/f Herod. Moscow hallmark. Assayer's mark [Cyrillic] V.A On underside of foot between Flagellation and Christ b/f Herod. In a rectangular frame. Mark of an unidentified Moscow assayer active 1760-94. Postnikova-Loseva (1995) #2084. maker's mark [Cyrillic] M Ts S Stamped on upper knop. In a trefoil frame. Mark of an unknown master active ca. 1793-95, Postnikova-Loseva #2695. Hallmark [St. George] On upper knop. Moscow hallmark. Assayer's mark [Cyrillic] V.A On upper knop. In a rectangular frame. Mark of an unidentified Moscow assayer active 1760-94. Postnikova-Loseva (1995) #2084. maker's mark [Cyrillic] M Ts S On silver netting btw Crucifixion and Mother of God In a trefoil frame. Mark of an unknown master active ca. 1793-95, Postnikova-Loseva #2695. Hallmark [St. George] On silver netting. Moscow hallmark. maker's mark [Cyrillic] M Ts S On rim, above the word 'telo' In a trefoil frame. Mark of an unknown master active ca. 1793-95, Postnikova-Loseva #2695. Hallmark [St. George] On rim, above the word 'telo' Moscow hallmark. inscription [Cyrillic] TELO KhRISTOVO PRIIMITE ISTOChNIKA BESMERTNAGO VKUSITE Around rim of bowl. Starts next to Christ in Majesty. Trans: Accept the Body of Christ, Taste the Immortal Source Note: This is a standard inscription on Russian chalices in the modern period.
Credit line:: Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973