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Ciborium

Designer (French, 1814-1879)
CultureFrench
Datedesigned 1852, manufactured later
MediumVermeil, with gilded bronze foot, Semi-precious stones including jasper, chrysoprase, moonstone, agate, opal, garnet, citrine, amethyst, and turquoise
Dimensions13 1/4 × 6 5/16 in. (33.7 × 16 cm)
Other (A-Top): 4 × 6 5/16 in. (10.2 × 16 cm)
Other (B-Bottom): 9 13/16 × 6 7/8 in. (24.9 × 17.5 cm)
Classificationsmetalwork
Credit LineThe Elisabeth Holmes Lee Fund
Object number2017.33ab
DescriptionViollet-le-Duc designed this ciborium in 1852. The stem, with two rows of four semi-precious cabochons separated by a beaded ring, is attached to an orb-shaped foot. An acanthus-leaf wreath supports the cup and rests atop a flattened, ornamented sphere. The foot, sides of the cup and rim of the lid feature chased foliage decoration. Twelve semi-precious stones are affixed to the stem and represent Heavenly Jerusalem’s twelve foundation stones, on which were inscribed the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
On View
On view
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