Communion vase

This communion vase is a part of a set of liturgical utensils, which further include a bell, the pair of cruets and tray, a chalice and a purifier. They do compose a set, not only from the stylistic point of view or authorship — all were made by the Roman goldsmith Antonio Gigli — but also for their use in the Eucharistic celebration.
The communion vase was destined to contain the small consecrated hosts to be distributed to the faithful during communion. It was made by Antonio Gigli for the Chapel of St. John the Baptist. The base is decorated with putti, while the knuckle and bowl show a decoration of flowers, volutes, wheat-sheaves and bunches of grapes (symbols of the Eucharist). The lid has identical decoration, punctuated by cherubim heads.