Chinese Silver Communion Chalice

Chased Silver Communion Chalice

This rare communion chalice is of solid silver with a gilded (gold-plated) interior. The circular, domed base is chased with a double row of acanthus leaves. The baluster-form stem includes a central, pear-shaped knob chased with typically Chinese scrolling flower work above a single row of acanthus leaves and below a single row of finely executed lotus petals. The stem also incorporates two solid rings with serrated edging.

The stem leads to an inverted bell-shaped cup. The outside rim of the cup has a fine gilded border that matches the gilded interior.

Most probably the chalice was made to service a Christian community in China, rather than for export. It was acquired some years ago by the previous owner in Tianjin, China. There has long been a significant local Christian population in Tianjin, and the Jesuits had an early presence in the city. (Data from 1950 recorded a local Catholic population of approximately 50,000.)

Chinese silver made for Christian purposes is extremely rare but examples do exist. Levenson (2007, p. 283) illustrates for example a silver monstrance that dates to seventeenth century Macau.

The chalice has a fine patina and ample evidence of age. There are no maker’s marks. It is in excellent condition.

Levenson. J. (ed), Encompassing the Globe: Portugal and the World in the 16th and 17th Centuries, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 2007.

European art market