Chalice and paten

The chalice is a sacred vessel used in the celebration of mass. Given their ritual importance, they are made of precious metals and are ornate in design. Over the years they evolved in form, materials and decoration and in the 11th and 12th centuries took on their definitive characteristics with regard to materials and style.
This chalice, in gilded silver, shows the typical circular base, decorated on two levels with geometrical and floral motifs alternating with angels’ heads, followed by a short stem in the form pf an inverted urn and covered in Renaissance-influenced designs. These also feature small angels in relief, a decoration repeated on the false plain gilt silver bowl from which the usual four tintinnabula hang. The paten is likewise made of gilt silver.