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CHALICE

Creator(s): Ivan Zaitsev ((Possibly))

Currently in storage


About this object

Attached to the bowl are four enameled oval medallions framed by table-cut brilliants. On these medallions are enameled: 1) Christ with the chalice and bread in the act of blessing; 2) St. John the Baptist with the Lamb of God; 3) the Mother of God; and, 4) the Lamb of God seated on the Book, a dagger piercing his throat and blood flowing into a chalice. Around the lip of the cup runs the inscription in Russian: "VKUSITE + TELO KHRI[S]T[O]VO PRIIMITE ISTOCHNIKA BESMERTNAGO (Accept the Body of Christ, Taste the Immortal Source)." The bowl has a basket-like outer section made of a cast pattern of leaves and grape vines in which it sits. A cast acanthus leaf design has been similarly attached to the upper portion of the bowl, although the work is much cruder than on the base of the bowl. The baluster-shaped stem is decorated with a cast inverted leaf motif. The circular base is divided into four parts by garlands, each side being set with a quadrangular panel surrounded by table-cut brilliants and painted in enamel with scenes from the Passion of Christ: 1) the scene at Gethsemane; 2) the Last Supper; 3) Christ crowned with thorns; and, 4) the Entombment. The bottom of the foot is decorated with grape vine and leaf motif echoing that on the bowl. Although it was originally identified as having been done in repoussé, it is more likely to have been cast.

Object name:
CHALICE
Made from:
Silver gilt -- enamel on copper -- paste stones
Made in:
Moscow, Russia
Date made:
1810
Size:
36.8 × 19.5 cm (14 1/2 × 7 11/16 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
12.93
Class:
SILVER
Signature marks:
maker's mark IZ [I in Latin/Z in Cyrillic] Stamped on edge of foot. The marks are within a rectangle and separated by a mid-height dot. hallmarks 84 [St. George] Stamped on lip of bowl. Marks attesting to purity of metal and for Moscow assayer's office. Assayer's mark I.V 1810 Stamped on lip of bowl. Mark of Moscow assayer Ivan Vikhliaev, active 1802-1818 Date is 1810. Hallmarks 84 [St. George] Top of stem Marks attesting to purity of metal and for Moscow assayer's office. Hallmarks 84 [St. George] Stamped on edge of foot at base. Marks attesting to purity of metal and for Moscow assayer's office. Assayer's mark I.V 1810 Stamped on edge of foot at base. Mark of Moscow assayer Ivan Vikhliaev, active 1802-1818 Date is 1810. INSCRIPTION VKUSITE + TELO KhRITVO PRIIMITE ISTOChNIKA BESMERTNAGO Around in Cyrillic around lip of bowl. TRANS: Accept the Body of Christ, Taste the Immortal Source Note that this is a standard inscription on Russian chalices, but the spelling of Christ is somewhat distinctive: KhRI[S]T[O]VO
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973