CHALICE
Creator(s): Master M. Ts. S. (Silversmith)
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 partly hidden by openwork setting "Accept the Body of Christ, Taste the Immortal Source."
- Object name:
- CHALICE
- Made from:
- Silver -- parcel gilt -- niello
- Made in:
- Moscow, Russia
- Date made:
- 1793-1794
- 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:
- MARKS М.Ц / С [M. Ts / S in Cyrillic in a trefoil frame, maker's mark, unidentified master, active 1793-1795], St. George for Moscow, B.A [V.A. in Cyrillic, unidentified essayer's mark, 1760-94] [on underside of foot between Flagellation and Christ b/f Herod and on upper knop]; М.Ц / С [Maker's mark], St. George, [on silver netting]; М.Ц / С [Maker's mark], St. George [on rim, above the word 'telo'] INSCRIPTIONS "Accept the Body of Christ, taste of the Immortal Source." [engraved in Cyrillic around the lip of the cup]; in each instance scenes are identified with initials in Cyrillic [on medallions]
- Credit line:
- Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973