Antique French Silver Ciborium By ‘Maitres Orfèvres’ Demarquet Frères.
Also called a ‘Traveling Ciborium’ or ‘Pyx’ or again ‘Ciborium of the Sick’, it has a round vessel, closed off by a lid topped by a silver cross, and was used to bring the Blessed Sacrament to the sick.
Its use as a travelling vessel commanded its smaller size.
The inner part, which was in contact with a Sacred Host, is covered in 18 carat gold.
The Ciborium or Pyx, is used for storing the Consecrated Hosts and distributing them during communion.
In shape the Ciborium resembles a Chalice but the Cup or Bowl is round instead of oblong.
The bottom of the cup is a little raised at the centre so that the last particles may be easily removed and the purification more conveniently performed.
The word Ciborium is of rather doubtful etymology, some derive it from the Latin ‘Cibus’ or food in reference to the Heavenly bread. Others trace it to the Greek Kirorion ‘cup’, because of the original shape of the Eucharistic receptacle. The term Ciborium was also used in early Christian times t describe the Canopy that surmounted and crowned the altar.
Our Ciborium is typical of Demarquet Frères’ work. With beautiful Gilt decorated with 4 turquoise pearls on the side of the cup.
The lid and pedestal show lovely guilloche work with acanthus leaves and tiny rosettes.
It comes it its original presentation box which is in wonderful state.
The Hallmark is Minerva, 1st title (950/1000) for Paris 1838-1919.
The Makers Mark is that Demarquet Frères.
The shows the last name separated from Frères by a salamander.
Their mark was registered in Paris, 1868 and cancelled in 1890.
Their main production were religiously related Items which grace many museums today.