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LOT 0340
Late Medieval Bronze Chalice
EASTERN EUROPE, 16TH-17TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/4 in. (6 in.) (750 grams, 12 cm high (890 grams total, 15 cm high including stand)).
Formed with a U-shaped bowl, tapering cylindrical stem and domed discoid foot, the body exterior displaying clusters of vertical ribs alternating with columns of pellets; mounted on a custom-made wooden display base.
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market.
Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Portable Antiquities Scheme, LON-661B25, for a similar, although not identical, lead goblet.
FootnotesThe chalice is the most important liturgical object used in Christian worship, and for centuries it has been given a central place on the altar. Its form directly references the vessel used by Christ during the Last Supper when, according to the Gospel of Matthew (26:27-28) he ‘took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to [his disciples], saying: Drink ye all of it for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’ Since the moment of transubstantiation is believed to occur while the chalice is filled with the Communion wine, such vessels have historically been created using the richest, most precious materials available to the church and its craftsmen.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Medieval Ceramic Group
15th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £20
Including a jar with scalloped foot, a piriform juglet, footed pot with handle, small jar with remaining handle, likely bird water feeder and a stamped tripod dish; most glazed; most chipped or cracked. 3.3 kg total, 10-18 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
The salt-glazed stoneware jugs, like some of the specimens here presented, had a distinctive pitted ‘orange-skin’ surface. These tall jugs often have grooves around their bodies to support them during the high-temperature firing which was necessary to achieve the hard fabric. First imported into Britain in the early 14th century stone wares became common in the 16th and 17th centuries. Most came from production centres in the Rhineland, notably Cologne, Frechen, Langerwehe, Raeren and Westerwald. -
Medieval Bronze Lion Fitting
13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Formed as a lion standing right, head turned right, tail arched over rump forming two attachment holes; bar spanning the gap between front and hind paws. 6.21 grams, 18 mm
Found Nottinghamshire, UK. -
Anglo-Norman Zoomorphic Strap Junction
11th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
Grotesque human head in relief to centre, crescentic remains of one loop above, trapezoidal lug below; trace remains of red enamelling. 17.9 grams, 51 mm
Found Romney Marsh area, 2023. Property of a Kent gentleman.
